Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit
The University of the Philippines Manila honored the academic achievements and service commitment of 1,264 graduates during its 116th Commencement Exercises, held on 22 July 2025 (Tuesday), 11:00 a.m. at the World Trade Center, Metro Manila. This year’s theme, “UP Manila: Saligan ng Kahapon, Gabay ng Kasalukuyan, Tanglaw sa Hinaharap,” reflected the University’s enduring role in shaping servant-leaders rooted in history, grounded in present realities, and inspired to serve the nation’s future.
In her message, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Bernadette Heizel D. Manapat-Reyes acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduating class, who began their UP journey amidst uncertainty brought about by the pandemic. She praised their resilience in navigating blended learning, shifting protocols, and personal hardships. She also urged the graduates to reflect on those who supported them including family, mentors, classmates, and communities, and to express their gratitude before the day ends.
“Kayong mga magulang o tumatayong mga magulang, maraming salamat po sa inyong pagtitiwala ninyo sa amin sa UP Manilapara maitawid ang inyong mga anak. Maraming salamat sa inyong pagpupunyagi upang sila’y masuportahan. Ang tagumpay po nila ay tagumpay ninyo rin. Kayo po ay may UP graduatena,” said VC Reyes.
She likened the sablay to dreams the graduate painstakingly stitched together through sacrifice and perseverance. Though their journey began in uncertainty, the graduates have come a long way. While it would be comforting to say that the hardest parts of life are now behind them, she reminded them that challenges will still arise, and they must find strength in how far they’ve already come.
“Kayo na naghabi ng sablay na nasa balikat ninyo ngayon ay mas may kakayahang isakatuparan ang mas marami pang pangarap. At sana sa mas marami n’yo pang pangarap, maisama ninyo hindi lamang ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay, kundi pati na rin ang bayan. Malayo ka na, Iskolar ng Bayan. Padayon sa malayo mo pang aabutin.”
In her address, Professor Emeritus Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno urged the graduates to uphold the core virtues of honor, excellence, and service throughout their lives.
“Your education in UP Manila prepared you not only for your career—which I have no doubt you will do well in—but also, and equally important, for a life of meaning,” she said.
She quoted David Viscott in explaining what a life of meaning entails. Quoting, she offered this reflection: ‘The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The meaning of life is to give your gift away.’
Dr. Diokno reminded the graduates that the purpose of life is to discover their gift, the work of life is to develop it, and the meaning of life is to give it away.
“Your talent, intellect, creativity, and ability aren’t yours to own and enjoy exclusively—but yours to develop for the greater good. Your own, the good of those you love, and of the larger community. Sharing your gift for the greater good speaks to a sense of humanity, of which each of us is but a part.”
Dr. Diokno emphasized that UP Manila aims not just to produce skilled professionals, but compassionate ones who serve with humility and a strong sense of humanity. She stressed that true success lies not in wealth or power, but in using one’s talents for the greater good.
“May your memories of the university stay with you throughout your life, even as you make space for those still to come. As you say your goodbyes today, take time to thank those who made your journey at UP Manila worthwhile. Batch 2025, I wish each of you a joyful, exciting, and meaningful future. Share your gift with others—give it away with joy.”
Following her speech, University President Angelo A. Jimenez conferred the degrees after the formal presentation of graduates by the deans of UP Manila’s nine academic units:
Notably, the Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics of the College of Arts and Sciences celebrated the first graduates of its Master of Science in Applied Physics (Medical Physics) program: Ma. Elizabeth M. Vidallon, Lance Eros Lewis E. Dadios, and Michael Angelo Gloria.
The program continued with the awarding of medals to honor graduates and Oblation Scholars, as well as the hooding of doctoral graduates.
Of the 1,263 graduates, 682—over half or 54%—earned Latin honors: 429 Cum Laude, 244 Magna Cum Laude, and 9 Summa Cum Laude.
Breakdown of Latin honors per term:
Another significant moment during the ceremony was the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Pinning Ceremony. Led by Acting Director Dr. April B. Llaneta, the event honored student and faculty volunteers who demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement and public service. The following were recognized:
Student volunteers
Faculty volunteers
The graduating class was represented by Class Speaker John Paul S. Cristobal, a summa cum laude graduate, who delivered a poignant and powerful speech centered on empathy and social responsibility. He began by sharing that the first Ilocano word he learned was abot-abot, which he interpreted as butas in Tagalog—a metaphor for the cracks in society that leave many behind.
Rather than ignoring these gaps, Cristobal called on his fellow graduates to recognize them and take action.
“Mataas ang ekspektasyon sa atin ng bayan—dahil hindi lang tayo basta nagtapos. Tayo ay pinili, pinaglaanan, at pinagkatiwalaan. Minsan, nakakatakot ang ganitong ekspektasyon. Pero kung tatanungin ninyo ako kung ano ang mas nakakatakot—ito ay ang lumabas sa unibersidad na walang konsensya. Nakakatakot lumabas na may husay, pero manhid. Nakakatakot lumabas na may dangal, pero walang pakialam. Nakakatakot ito, dahil maraming kapwa natin ang nahihirapan at nagtitiis sa isang sistemang bulok.”
He envisioned a future where paths are no longer marked by inequality and danger but paved with dignity and hope. He concluded with a rallying call for courage, compassion, and conscience.
“Mga kapwa ko Iskolar ng Bayan, kailangan nating maging matatapang, may husay, ngunit higit pa roon, kailangan nating maging makatao. Taong may malasakit; taong may konsensya.”
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