Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Evalea Casaljay
The University of the Philippines Manila College of Arts and Sciences (UPM CAS) held its 42nd Recognition Day on July 20, 2025, at the University Theater in UP Diliman, celebrating the academic achievements of its graduates for Academic Year 2024–2025.
The event brought together faculty, administrators, families, and students to honor 441 graduates from various undergraduate and graduate programs, many of whom received Latin honors for academic excellence.
In her welcome remarks, UPM CAS Dean Maria Teresa G. de Guzman reflected on this year’s theme, “Iskolar ng Bayan: Buong Puso, Husay, at Dangal sa Paglilingkod sa Bawat Mamamayan.” She underscored that the theme is not merely a slogan but a commitment each graduate carries forward.
“Buong puso, for giving your all not just to learn, but to understand, care, and serve; Husay, for striving for excellence even in the most difficult times; and Dangal, for upholding integrity, humility, and the values instilled in you by the University,” she said.
She reminded the graduates, “Never forget—you are more than your degree. You are leaders. You are nation-builders. You are Iskolar ng Bayan.”
UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael L. Tee extended his appreciation to the parents of the graduating class, recognizing their trust in the university to shape the next generation of public servants and national leaders.
“Ang Unibersidad at ang sambayanang Pilipino ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyo. Ipinagkatiwala ninyo sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Manila ang inyong mga anak dahil naniniwala kayong may kakayahan ang pamantasan na hubugin sila bilang susunod na henerasyon ng mga lingkod-bayan at lider ng ating bansa—mga lider na huhubog sa kinabukasan ng Pilipinas,” he said.
Guest speaker Dr. Michelle Aguilar Ong, a distinguished alumna, reminded graduates of the responsibilities that come with their UP education.
“Ang diploma ninyo ay hindi lamang patunay ng inyong talino kundi paalala na kayo ay Iskolar ng Bayan—na may tungkuling ibalik ang galing at kabutihan sa bayan,” she said.
Department of Broadcast Communication
Department of Biology
Department of Behavioral Sciences
Department of Social Sciences
Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Graduate Programs
Notably, the Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics celebrated the first batch of graduates from its MS in Applied Physics (Medical Physics) program: Ma. Elizabeth M. Vidallon, Lance Eros Lewis E. Dadios, and Michael Angelo Gloria.
Several graduates received special awards for excellence in academics, leadership, service, and the arts:
In recognition of exceptional undergraduate and graduate research, the Best Thesis award was conferred on the following students:
Dean’s Awards for Outstanding Research were also given in various categories:
Recognition was also given to student assistants and student council leaders for their exemplary service.
Delivering the response on behalf of the graduating class was Ms. Dominique Caceres, a BA Behavioral Sciences graduate and summa cum laude awardee. She emphasized how their education at UP Manila shaped their critical awareness of structural inequalities and the importance of grounding action in community realities.
“Dito ko mas nakita ang kahalagahan ng aktwal na paglubog sa komunidad. Hindi sapat na nakakulong lang tayo sa mga binabasa nating readings, o sa mga integrative papers na pinapasa natin. May mga bagay na hindi mo makikita sa isang sulyap lang—gaya ng mga kuwentong punô ng hirap, pangarap, tagumpay, at panawagan.”
She urged her fellow graduates to approach service with humility, honor their struggles, and be patient with themselves as learning continues beyond graduation.
“Muli, mga iskolar ng bayan—buong puso, husay, at dangal na paglingkuran natin ang sambayanan.”
#FP1 #FP6 #InnovationsForLifelongLearningDedicatedToService
