UP Diliman holds 113th commencement exercises

Graduates attend the University of the Philippines' 113th Commencement Exercise at the UP Amphitheater in Diliman, Quezon City, on July 28, 2024. Jire Carreon, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- As July draws to a close, the journey of more than four thousand seven hundred students of UP Diliman begins anew.

On July 28, Sunday, the university avenue was once again painted in sunflower yellow as UP Diliman held its commencement exercises at the campus' iconic amphitheater.

It's that time again for dresses and barongs, inspiring speeches, and the iconic wearing of the Sablay throughout the University of the Philippines (UP) system. 

Former Senator and UP alumnus Kiko Pangilinan, one of the guest speakers, congratulated the UP Class of 2024, whom he referred to as the "pandemic batch" due to their classes being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Solusyunan natin ang malalim at sanga-sangang problema ng bayan; wag na tayo magluklok ng mga magnanakaw," Pangilinan said during his speech.

"As the graduation rites ended, a group of students conducted an impromptu protest addressing issues such as the jeepney phaseout, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the anti-terror law, among others."

Graduation season began in July in the Central Visayas region, with UP Cebu kicking off Pagtatapos 2024. UP Baguio held its commencement exercises at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center on July 24, Wednesday. UP Manila followed with its commencement exercises at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Plenary Hall in Pasay City on July 26, Friday.

The final ceremonies will take place at the foothills of Mt. Makiling as UP Los Baños holds its commencement exercises at its Copeland Gymnasium on August 3, Saturday. Meanwhile, the UP Open University (UPOU) will hold its ceremonies on December 7.