UPOU Celebrates 23rd Commencement Exercises with the theme Excellence in Equity, Equity in Excellence

The University of the Philippine Open University (UPOU) conducted its 23rd Commencement Exercises on 12 October 2019 at its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. This year’s event carried the theme “Excellence in Equity, Equity in Excellence.”

A total of 427 degrees were conferred to students who successfully finished the requirements for Academic Year 2018-2019. Of the graduates, 81 completed undergraduate degrees, 20 completed graduate certificate degrees, 200 completed diploma degrees, 108 completed master’s degrees, and 18 completed doctoral degrees.

BGen. Eliseo M. Rio, Jr. (Ret.), Undersecretary for Operations of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) was the event’s commencement speaker. In his speech, Usec. Rio mentioned that the DICT is “seriously improving the telco services specially our connectivity to the internet.” The Tech4ED, for instance, aims to encourage Filipino citizens to do business online as part of its program.

The former Commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission also said that the DICT gave a new ‘definition’ to OFW or ‘Overseas Filipino Workers.’ According to him, once internet connectivity in the Philippines improves, Filipinos can become ‘Online Filipino Workers’ and earn as much as what the OFWs are earning. He also said in his speech that the DICT is coordinating with the UPOU so that this method of earning online could be further developed. Usec. Rio encouraged the graduates to take advantage of this initiative since they will be the first batch to benefit from the project. “This will help you in competing in a digitized world,” he added.

Mr. Joey L. Ramirez, who finished as Magna Cum Laude from the Bachelor of Education Studies program, was chosen to deliver the message to represent the graduating class. He shared his experiences as a digital learner and its difference with the residential setup. “This is the environment that today’s digital learners find themselves in… we determine when and where to study, this includes those who have multiple roles and hats to juggle.” He also congratulated his fellow graduates for their determination in fulfilling their tasks whatever their circumstances are. “My journey mirrors many of your journeys. It’s a journey that embodies equity, a path that requires excellence. It has been highlighted continuously in our quest for the Sablay.” His call to his fellow graduates is to embody the lyrics of the UP hymn “mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan.” He said “we need to be part of the solution, not adding to our country’s woes.”

The event concluded with the singing of UP Naming Mahal and a magnificent fireworks display. (LPPetrasanta)