UP Diliman graduation rites cut short by rains

MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman pushed through with its annual commencement exercises yesterday, although the program was cut short due to persistent rains brought by Typhoon Falcon and the southwest monsoon.

The ceremony for the UP Diliman’s 112th General Commencement Exercises started at around 7 a.m. yesterday at the university’s open amphitheater behind the administration building.

Heavy rains, however, started pouring just as students began marching to the amphitheater.

The downpour persisted, prompting officials to skip several parts of the program such as the welcome address by UP Diliman chancellor Carlo Vistan and the commencement speech by UP president Angelo Jimenez.

Instead, after the singing of the national anthem, the program proceeded with the presentation of the graduates to Jimenez, the ceremonial shifting of the sablay of the graduates from their right to left shoulder symbolizing the successful completion of their respective academic programs, and the recital of the pledge of loyalty to the university.

The program ended with the singing of the university hymn “UP Naming Mahal.”

The heavy rains, however, did not stop the graduates and their parents from taking photos beside the UP Oblation statue and the sunflowers lining the University Avenue.

This year’s commencement exercises had the theme “Tayog,” which the university said symbolized the promising future of the graduates as they continue to uphold UP’s motto of “honor and excellence” as well as its principles of courage and service to the nation.

UP Diliman’s Office of the Chancellor, in an advisory issued on Saturday night, said the commencement exercises would push through as scheduled amid the expected inclement weather. The attendees were instead advised to bring umbrellas and other rain gear.

The commencement ceremony was livestreamed on UP Diliman’s website and Youtube channel.

UP Diliman produced a total of 4,478 graduates this year, of which more than half or 2,243 received Latin honors led by a record-breaking 305 summa cum laude graduates or those who obtained a general weighted average of at least 1.20. There were 1,196 magna cum laude graduates and 742 cum laude graduates.