20/07/2025
IN PHOTOS | 2,682 graduates from the UPLB Class of 2025 shifted their sablays during the 53rd Commencement Exercises yesterday at the E.B. Copeland Gynasium.
This year also marks the first batch from new degree programs such as AA Sports Studies, AS Development Communication, and BS Mechanical Engineering.
As the keynote speaker of the ceremony, CHED Commissioner Shirley C. Agrupis reminds the new batch of alumni to give back and serve the people because their education was paid by them.
Class valedictorian Alyssa P. Niega from BS Human Ecology urges her fellow iskolar to use their privilege to give back to the people and the masses that were deprived of the chance to do so. Furthermore, she emphasized on the importance of embracing humanness, carrying compassion and humility, and ultimately serving the community.
Former CEATSC Chairperson Niezelle Mae Visaya and former YAP-JUST Chairperson Jpeg Garcia led the lightning rally at the end of UP Naming Mahal, urging the graduating class to give back and stand in solidarity with the masses as they leave the university with honor and will to serve.
Pressing issues were tackled such as budget cuts leading to lack of accesible slots and learning spaces, red-tagging across Southern Tagalog including Garcia and USC Chair Wes Balingit, liveable wage, demolition and land-use conversions, and relentless imperialism from the United States.
"Nawa'y gamitin natin ang kritikal na pag-iisip upang bigyang-solusyon ang armadong tunggalian; hindi sa pamamagitan ng red-tagging at pananahimik, kundi sa paraang tumutugon sa mga ugat nito gaya ng kahirapan, pangangamkam ng lupa at kawalan ng nakabubuhay na sahod at sapat na trabaho, at iba pang suliranin ng taumbayan" according to Garcia.
"Iskolar ng bayan, ialay ang sablay para sa aksesibleng serbisyong panlipunan at tunay na demokrasya. Sa labas ng pamantasan, panibagong yugto ng krisis panlipunan ang sasalubong dulot ng kapabayaan, maka-dayuhan at kontra-mamamayang pamamahala ng kasalukuyang rehimen." said Visaya.
Prior to the university-wide program, testimonial rites were organized and livestreamed across various colleges.
Words by Andy Pareja
Photos by Koosh Garcia and Jonel Mendoza
