Text by: Erlyn U. Pareja And Angelou C. Mendoza
Photos by: Joseph A. Bautista
University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) Chancellor Michael L. Tee delivered a compelling message to students during the 2024 Scholars’ Convocation held at the Henry Sy Sr. Medical Sciences Building on April 23, 2024. In his speech, he emphasized the university’s commitment to service and excellence, urging scholars to utilize their talents to benefit the nation.
“Ang galing ay gamitin sa paglilingkod sa bayan. Use honor and excellence to serve the people who invested in our education, that is what this university is all about,” Chancellor Tee told the students during the program. He also emphasized the significance of acknowledging and appreciating those who have become part of the student’s achievements, including the mentors, administrators, and staff members who play a vital role during their years in the academe.
A total of 4,087 students – comprising 1,899 University Scholars and 2,188 College Scholars were recognized for achieving outstanding academic success. Each scholar was awarded a Certificate of Recognition as a testament to their excellence, courage, perseverance, and determination throughout their educational journey.
“Isang Pribilehiyo”
Guest speaker Dr. Mary Ann R. Abacan, Head of the Genetics Division of the Department of Pediatrics at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) reminded the scholars of the responsibility entrusted to them by the university.
“Bilang mag-aaral ng UP hinihingi nito na tayo ay maging mga pioneer, maging mga pinuno at maging mahusay sa ating kanya-kanyang piniling mga kurso, hinihingi din niya na huwag na huwag nating kalimutan na kaya tayo ay nag-aaral at pinag-aaral ay upang magsilbi sa ating mga kababayan na naghihirap,” Dr. Abacan said.
Sharing her journey as an official “Iskolar ng Bayan” in 1996, she told the audience about the challenges of her academic life. She said she persevered knowing that education at UPM is subsidized by taxes collected from Filipinos. She also highlighted the role of her professors in achieving her success.
Dr. Abacan shared a poignant passage from an old essay by Oliver Teves, a newspaper editor renowned for coining the term “Iskolar ng Bayan” in his creative writing class, which was later published by the Philippine Collegian in 1975. The passage encapsulates the essence of being a student at UP: “Ang pagiging estudyante sa UP ay isang pribilehiyo dahil pinag-aaral ng estado at tama lamang na masabi na siya ay Iskolar ng Bayan. Ang edukasyon ay karapatan ngunit ang pag-aaral sa UP ay isang pribilehiyo.”
Dr. Abacan offered insights into her educational and professional journey, shedding light on how she navigated the intricate balance of various responsibilities and roles. Commencing her residency training in pediatrics at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), she then pursued a fellowship program in Clinical Genetics and earned a Master of Science degree in Bioethics, at UP Manila. Dr. Abacan undertook a fellowship on Metabolic Diseases in Australia and returned to her alma mater where she embraced a professorship at the College of Medicine, as a means to contribute to the legacy of UP Manila and mentor future generations of healthcare professionals.
“Mapagpalayang Edukasyon”
Jhet Scott Q. Cruz, a scholar from the BA Developmental Studies course shared his thoughts on how UP shaped his perception of contributing to the nation’s development.
“Ang isang mapagpalayang edukasyon ay dapat mapanghikayat, mapanghamon, hinahamon tayo kung paano natin papalayain at papanibagong hubog ang mundo. Edukasyon para kanino? Kaunlaran para kanino? Ganito kami sinalubong ng programang araling pangkaunlaran ‘o development studies,” Jhet Scott Q. Cruz, a BA Developmental Studies student said during the program.
He also discussed a personal experience living with members of the Dumagat Remontados tribe during a community immersion. In particular, Cruz shared the experiences of “Mik-Mik” who endures traveling four hours before dawn to reach school. Despite the hardships, Mik-Mik returns home fueled by a desire to provide service to the tribe. Cruz was deeply moved by the struggles of the Dumagat tribe and other issues confronting them including ancestral rights, and accessing essential services. Cruz challenged fellow scholars to confront these realities and transcend the confines of privilege.
The Scholars’ Convocation serves as the university’s way of acknowledging the efforts of UPM students who have achieved a General Weighted Average (GWA) ranging from 1 to 1.75. Recognizing their dedication instills pride and motivation and inspires continued growth that will fuel scholars to aim higher and push boundaries in their academic pursuits. ■
