Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara called on UP Mindanao’s Class of 2025 to to become catalysts for change, to champion reforms that will enable the educational landscape to grow, evolve, and thrive, in his message as Guest Speaker at the 27th Commencement Exercises, held on July 10, 2025, at the Administration Building Atrium.
“In Tawi-Tawi, one in three residents cannot read or write functionally. Nakakabasa, nakakabilang pero hindi nakakaintindi,” he said. “This is not an indictment, graduates of UP, it is an invitation to equity. Sa kagawaran ng edukasyon hindi lang kami tumitingin sa datos, tumutugon kami sa panawagan, sa mga kwento ng nasa malalayong lugar. (At the Department of Education, we do not just look at data; we also respond to the calls and stories coming from those in far-flung areas),” he said.
“We do this because we cannot expect our students to learn on an empty stomach, we cannot expand knowledge without the internet, we cannot rise as a nation without the ability to read. This is not charity, but this is our duty,” he said.
Anakin Skywalker ‘Sky’ Pactores of the BS Computer Science program led the UP Mindanao Class of 2025 as class valedictorian. He earned a cumulative weighted average grade (CWAG) of 1.1711, within the range of 1.000–1.2000, based on the highest possible grade of 1.00. He is UP Mindanao’s fifth summa cum laude and the first from the BS Computer Science program.
In his valedictory speech, Pactores emphasized UP’s true distinction lies not just in academic excellence, but in how it confronts students with the often harsh realities of life. “That’s what makes UP different,” he said. “It exposes you to situations that make you uncomfortable.”
He shared how witnessing his fellow students juggle sideline jobs and carry the weight of being family breadwinners challenged his perspective.
“It made me uncomfortable. But, I could say this discomfort is actually good because it made me reflect on my previous perspective. This discomfort can move you to not feel indifferent. They say education is a great equalizer. But how can you be when gaining access to it is already a struggle for those who need it most? The neoliberal system we have right now continues to favor those with better resources. Many choose practicality over passion…”
Despite the privileges they enjoy, such as free tuition, he reminded his fellow graduates that every slot taken at the university could have gone to someone else with untapped potential. “The next Einstein has probably lived already,” he said.
He ended with a powerful call: to use their knowledge not just with brilliance, but with compassion, and to always act in service of the greater good. “It is neither good nor bad, it is how we use it that determines what comes from it,” he concluded.
UP Mindanao Chancellor Prof. Lyre Anni Murao, in her welcome remarks, called on the graduates to carry forward the values that define a true Iskolar ng Bayan: Honor, Excellence, and Service to the Nation.
“Honor is more than prestige; it is living with integrity, humility, and accountability. As you step into the world, never wear your UP education as a badge of entitlement. Remember, it was made possible by the Filipino people who believed in your potential and invested in your dreams. Above all, embrace service. Let your brilliance be a light not just for yourself, but for others, especially the communities here in Mindanao. As you carve your path, think of the rural farmers, indigenous youth yearning for opportunity, the urban poor striving for dignity, and microentrepreneurs sustaining local economies. Use your voice to share their stories, to honor their struggles and triumphs, and to inspire empathy, action, and meaningful change,” she said.
In his congratulatory message in the souvenir program, UP President Angelo Jimenez echoed the theme of service: “Your journey ahead is not just about personal success, but about lifelong service. Serve the people, especially our people here in Mindanao. As Iskolar ng Bayan, graduates of the national university, this is our calling and our commitment.”
Secretary Angara joined University of the Philippines (UP) President Angelo Jimenez and Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao in awarding diplomas to 312 graduates in UP Mindanao’s 27th Commencement Exercises on July 10, 2025, at the UPMin Atrium. Pres. Jimenez and Chan. Lyre welcomed the individual graduates onstage while Sec. Angara personally handed over the diplomas, assisted by Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Maria Stella Salazar and Registrar Karen Joyce Cayamanda.
The Class of 2025 is composed of graduates from 11 undergraduate programs, one associate program, two diploma programs, and three graduate programs.
The Class of 2025 boasts two summa cum laude graduates, one each from BS Computer Science and BA Communication and Media Arts. They are joined by 56 magna cum laude graduates with CWAGs ranging from 1.021 to 1.45, led by BA Communication and Media Arts with 22, followed by BS Biology (7), BA English and BS Applied Mathematics (6 each), BS Computer Science and BS Food Technology (5 each), BS Architecture (4), and BS Anthropology (1). Rounding out the honors are 121 cum laude graduates with CWAGs between 1.4501 and 1.75, notably from BS Biology (25), BS Architecture (21), BS Food Technology and BS Applied Mathematics (13 each), BS Computer Science (12), BS Anthropology (10), BS English (9), and BA Communication and Media Arts (7).
The other guests present onstage to witness the awarding were Faculty Regent Early Sol Gadong, Student Regent Francesca Mariae Duran, Staff Regent Marie Theresa Alambra, Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton, Executive Vice President Leo Cubilla, VP for Public Affairs Marian Coquia-Regidor, VP for Legal Affairs Abraham Rey Acosta, VP for Digital Transformation Peter Sy, UP Cebu Chancellor Leo Malagar, and UP Open University Chancellor Joane Serrano, and former UPMin chancellors Dr. Sylvia Concepcion and Prof. Larry Digal.
The processional began at 7 a.m., led by Student Affairs director Associate Prof. Ligaya R. Leal, followed by the two summa cum laude. The three college secretaries led their respective graduates. The UPMin faculty members, academic department chairpersons, and unit heads followed by vice chancellors Leo Manuel Estaña and Maria Stella Salazar. The UPMin mace was carried by University Registrar Prof. Karen Joyce G. Cayamanda, followed by Chancellor Murao. The UP Mace was carried by Assistant Secretary Jovecia Fucio who was followed by President Jimenez. The commencement speaker, Secretary Angara, completed the processional.
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