PUP allows use of lived names in graduation rites

MANILA, Philippines — The Polytechnic University of the Philippines administration has committed to allow the use of lived names for this year’s commencement exercise following calls from PUP students.

Lived names are self-chosen names that a person goes by in daily life, instead of their official name on legal documents.

PUP vice president for student affairs and services Tomas Testor have announced the approval of its use, according to student regent JP Azusano.

“I already raised this matter to the PUP administration, noting that this approval should have a legal and official document. But they said there is no need for that,” Azusano told The STAR.

He said the use of lived names in graduation rites is a huge step toward recognizing equality in education.

“Beyond the university’s commitment to upholding its diversity and inclusion policy, being recognized by our lived names is also a student’s democratic right. When an institution fails to acknowledge the students’ true identities, it undermines the dignity and respect we deserve,” Azusano said.

“This recognition is crucial for students, as it is vital for the university to respect a student’s decision not to use their deadname. These initial steps of recognizing a student’s lived name must be followed by the creation of genuinely safe spaces within the university,” he added.

A deadname refers to the birth name that a person no longer uses.

The University of the Philippines, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Philippine Normal University, De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University have adopted policies to use lived names in their graduation rites.

Azusano said PUP is crafting a resolution to streamline the use of lived names in future graduation rites.