Five hundred fifty Latin honor awardees. Three hundred sixty-five cum laude. One hundred seventy-three magna cum laude. Twelve summa cum laude.
These were among the academic achievements celebrated as the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila conferred degrees on 1,333 graduates during its 117th Commencement Exercises on Aug. 4, 2026, at the iconic Philippine International Convention Center.
Alongside the celebration of academic excellence came reminders of what it truly means to be an Iskolar ng Bayan.
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Bernadette Heizel M. Reyes, encouraged the graduates to dream bigger while reminding them to reflect on the support of those who believe in them.
“Sa pagtatapos ninyo, sana ay hindi kayo matakot na mangarap ng mas higit na matayog, dahil hindi kayo mag-iisa sa mga pangarap na ito. Ang mga taong una pang nangarap para sa inyo ay nandiyan pa din upang samahan kayo at maging lakas ninyo,” she told the graduates in a message anchored on the theme “Iskolar ng Bayan Hinubog ng Dangal at Husay, Pinanday ng Paglilingkod sa Bayan,”
She also expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to a better future.
“Nandito kami, naniniwala sa inyo at inyong mga kakayahan na bumuo ng isang lipunan, ng isang mundo, na mas inklusibo, mas patas, mas makatarungan at mas maayos kaysa sa kung anong meron tayo,” she said.
Honor and excellence
Echoing the same theme, Chancellor Michael L. Tee fought back tears as he addressed the graduates, including his children, Michael Tee Jr. and Katrina Tee, who both graduated with Latin honors.
“While you were climbing the heights of knowledge, we were holding high the light of hope. And the prayer was this: That education would give our children a chance at a better future…That they would break the cycle of poverty and hardship that had burdened generations before them,” he said. “Among you are two whom I have watched grow from their very first breaths. Two children for whom their mother and I have prayed through every long night of their journey.”
He also commended the parents for their hard work and prayers. “Graduation is a special moment. It is both a conclusion and a beginning. And so, to all the parents who are here, our pride is absolute. Today, we live in a dream that has come true. Today, we see our prayers answered,” he added.
The Chancellor reminded the Class of 2026 of a greater calling outside the walls of the university. “Your dreams are no longer yours alone. As you cross this stage, you remain our children—but you also become of the Filipino people who will need your knowledge, your judgment, your courage, and your service.”
Heart for public service
For Marco Eraño A. Dumale, the call to serve begins with understanding what it means to be shaped by UP.
Dumale, who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies, entered the University as a BS Biology student determined to become a doctor.
Four years later, after shifting programs and facing setbacks, he found himself preparing to pursue law—an experience he said taught him how UP can change and humble those who enter its halls. “UP changes you. UP humbles you. Siguro sa kaso ko, UP stops you in your tracks,” Dumale noted in his valedictory address.
He said the most important examinations are not always the ones that receive a grade, but the choices graduates make when confronted with corruption, injustice, and difficult questions of right and wrong.
“Ang mga pagsusulit nito ay ang bawat tagpo na maaari tayong pumili. Ipaglaban ang alam nating tama o magpakain sa bulok at mapang-abusong sistema. Magsabi ng totoo ‘o magsabi na lang ng kung anuman ang madaling sabihin,” Dumale urged.
For Dumale, the lessons of UP do not end with the diploma. “Ang totoo, ang UP ay walang hanggan,” he said.
“Ang pag-aaral sa UP ay ang umaapaw na pag-ibig sa bayan,” Dumale stressed, describing this love of country as the willingness to put the nation before personal interest and offer one’s strength, knowledge, and heart in service of others.
The Class of 2026 represented UP Manila’s academic units, including the UP Manila School of Health Sciences, National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions, College of Allied Medical Professions, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Nursing, College of Public Health, College of Dentistry, College of Pharmacy, and College of Medicine.
The ceremony was attended by UP President Angelo A. Jimenez and Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis. Also present were Technological University of the Philippines President Engr. Reynaldo P. Ramos, UP Cebu Chancellor Leo B. Malagar, UP Baguio Chancellor Joel M. Addawe, and UP Mindanao Chancellor Lyre Anni E. Murao; as well as UP System Vice Presidents Prof. Peter Sy, Prof. Rowaldo D. Del Mundo, Prof. Joel Joseph S. Marciano, and Prof. Lorraine Pe Symaco, together with Professor Emeritus Caesar A. Saloma, among others.
Text by Jennifer Manongdo and Jaira Purificacion
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces Pulumbarit and Raymart Sagpang
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