Credits: Manila Today
As July draws to a close, a new chapter begins for over 4,700 students from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman.
On July 28, the university avenue was once again adorned with sunflower yellow as UP Diliman held its 113th commencement exercises at the campus’ iconic amphitheater.
It was a day for dresses and barongs, inspiring speeches, and the iconic wearing of the Sablay throughout the UP system.
Former Senator and UP alumnus Kiko Pangilinan, one of the guest speakers, congratulated the UP Class of 2024, referring to them as the “pandemic batch” due to their studies being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Solusyunan natin ang malalim at sanga-sangang problema ng bayan; wag na tayo magluklok ng mga magnanakaw,” Pangilinan said during his speech.
As the graduation rites concluded, a group of students conducted an impromptu protest addressing issues such as the jeepney phaseout, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the anti-terror law, among others.
Graduation season began in July in the Central Visayas region, with UP Cebu kicking off Pagtatapos 2024. UP Baguio held its commencement exercises at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center on July 24. UP Manila followed with its commencement exercises at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Plenary Hall in Pasay City on July 26.
The final ceremonies will take place at the foothills of Mt. Makiling as UP Los Baños holds its commencement exercises at its Copeland Gymnasium on August 3. Meanwhile, the UP Open University (UPOU) will hold its ceremonies on December 7.