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.
“Tatlumpung taon na tayong bumubuo ng mga pangarap mula sa Mindanao, para sa Mindanao. UP Mindanao was, and still is, a declaration: that the youth of this island deserve no less than the highest quality of education- that education is a right, not a privilege. Thirty years ago, UP Mindanao planted seeds of learning and service in this area through the Gurong Pahinungod program. Their stories remind us that our choices can sow hope and transform communities. You are now living testaments to an enduring legacy—a legacy of access, excellence, and service to the nation. Class of 2025, you now carry the power and the responsibility to shape what comes next. Your presence here fills this atrium with hope—that through you, the future of Mindanao and our country will shine brighter.”
In his congratulatory message printed 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 the 312 graduates in UP Mindanao’s 27th Commencement Exercises. Pres. Jimenez and Chancellor Murao welcomed the individual graduates onstage, and Secretary 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 Cubillan, 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 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 were followed by vice chancellors Leo Manuel Estaña and Maria Stella Salazar. The UPMin mace was carried by University Registrar Cayamanda, followed by Chancellor Murao. The UP Mace was carried by Assistant Secretary Jovita Fucio, who was followed by President Jimenez. The commencement speaker, Secretary Angara, completed the processional.
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