‘Don’t forget the people of Marawi’

MANILA, Philippines - Graduating with the highest honor from the country’s premier university should have made Arman Ali Ghodsinia one of the happiest individuals on the entire planet.

But instead of speaking about the elation brought by his being the first student with Maranao roots to graduate summa cum laude during commencement exercises of the University of the Philippines Diliman yesterday, the 22-year-old chose to talk about pain, suffering, injustice and inequality.

“For while today is filled with the joy we experience in the safe confines of our graduation ceremony, we also recognize that today also marks another day of suffering, fear and injustice felt by many of our fellow people throughout the country,” Ghodsinia said in his speech, which he used to put the spotlight on the ongoing crisis in Marawi City, the hometown of his mother.

Chosen to deliver the message on behalf of this year’s graduates following a selection process before the graduation rites, Ghodsinia earned his Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BS MBB) with a general weighted average of 1.176.

He was among 36 students who graduated summa cum laude from UP Diliman.

“Today, for instance, marks another day of hardship and chaos faced by our Filipino brothers and sisters in Mindanao,” he added.

Born and raised in Manila, Ghodsinia earlier admitted having very little recollection of Marawi City from the time he visited when he was still young.

In his speech, he shared stories of inequality as recounted by his mother, who, in her younger years relocated to Manila to pursue a better life.

“Until today, my hometown belongs to one of the top five poorest provinces in the country. Access to quality education and healthcare is still low,” he said, referring to Lanao del Sur where Marawi City is located.

“My mother has recounted to me how in her youth, she witnessed the death of her little brother and mother due to sickness that could have been cured if only there was ‘enough money’. How painful can this be, right? How unjust and unacceptable it is to live in a society that allows this to happen — where people are left behind and forgotten,” he added.

He lamented how, in Islam’s holiest month, Muslims are fasting – and would celebrate Eid’l Fitr – not in their homes but in evacuation centers.

“This crisis is but just another addition to the long historical narrative of injustice and inequity faced by many minority groups in Mindanao,” he said.

‘No one should be left behind’

Ghodsinia reminded his fellow graduates not to forget the millions who are left behind.

He noted how members of the minority like himself could succeed if given the right opportunities.

“I am speaking to you as proof that anyone, regardless of religion, socioeconomic status, or ethnic ties, can excel if equal opportunities are available to all,” Ghodsinia said.

“As a young Filipino Maranao, I am privileged to attain this education as a scholar of the government. However, thousands do not have this opportunity. I speak here before you because I have been granted the unique opportunity of quality education, which I would like to give back to the people.”

Further in his speech, Ghodsinia urged his fellow graduates to use their degrees to show solidarity and deep concern for the underprivileged, including those suffering from the ongoing crisis in Marawi City.

“We gather here not merely as any graduating batch of youth, but as a graduating batch of Iskolars ng Bayan… Iskolars ng Bayan who show solidarity and deep concern for the fate of this nation, and the well-being of our fellow people,” he said.

“Amidst the joy and the revelry that go with our graduation, we gather here today to affirm our promise that we – the young graduates of this university – will not falter in our duty to serve the nation and the people, most especially the most vulnerable and the weak.”

Ghodsinia also pushed for a stronger national identity that recognizes all Filipinos, including the minorities, saying this is the key to building an inclusive society.

“As much as subjects like science, math and the languages are important, then so are subjects that build on greater social cohesion among Filipinos of different ethnic groups, regions and religions,” he said.

Ghodsinia earlier said he intends to pursue graduate studies either in the country or abroad, and then continue his research in the Philippines.

He previously conducted a study on genetic mutations that are resistant to anti-cancer treatment.

35 other summas

The 35 other summa cum laude graduates of the university are Williard Joshua Jose, Rangel Daroya and Marco Angelo Samonte (BS in Electronics and Communications Engineering); Patricia Sy (Bachelor of Arts in Sociology); Victor Carlo Irene (BA Philosophy); Stephanie Ann Lopez, Arla Mae Nicole Salcedo and Angelica Cielo Gozar (BA Psychology); Corinna Victoria Martinez (BS Psychology); Paollo Deo Reyes and Teod Carlo Cabili (BS Statistics); Martin Anthony Salud (BA European Languages); John Alexander Soriano and Erica Camille Lau (BS Business Administration and Accountancy); Jeynald Jeyromme Endaya and Clare Feliz Tan (BS Computer Science); Johntee Tantuco and Quirby Angelo Alberto (BS Industrial Engineering).

Completing the list are John Ian Baytamo (BS Mechanical Engineering); Philip Christopher Cruz (BS Physics); Krizzia Elyse Mañago and Marly Vea Clarisse Elli (BA Linguistics); Jose Monfred Canlas Sy (BA Comparative Literature); Jan Patrick Tan and Ryan Timothy Yu (BS MBB); Kristine Larissa Yu and Christian Cariño (BS Chemistry); Christine Darla Bautista and Marco del Valle (BS Business Administration); Jennifer Rucio (BS Tourism); Ian Christian Belando Fernandez (BS Computer Engineering); Katherine Adrielle Bersola (Bachelor of Sports Science); Mary Anne Balane (BA English Studies); Angelo Rafael Arcilla (BS Business Economics); and Kamille Anne Areopagita (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Communication).

Honorary degree for Diokno

Meanwhile, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno received from the university a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa degree during the graduation rites.

He also delivered the commencement remarks, where he urged the graduates to use what they learn from the university to propose solutions.

“Take risks. This attitude has opened so many opportunities that I want you to have, as well,” Diokno, a professor emeritus at the UP School of Economics, said.

“Taking risks has to be complemented with working hard,” he added.

Diokno also noted the projects of the present government, particularly the investments in public infrastructure. He said addressing social problems is a partnership between the private and the public sector.

Diokno was invited to be the guest speaker after President Duterte declined the invitation of the university.

Duterte also declined the honorary degree, which is traditionally offered by UP to sitting presidents.