On 6 December 2025, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) held its 29th Commencement Exercises—a landmark moment as the ceremony was hosted for the first time at the newly opened UPOU International Convention Center (ICC) in Los Baños, Laguna.
The event marked another significant first: it was the inaugural commencement rites under UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano, who assumed office in March 2025, and University Registrar Asst. Prof. Blancaflor Arada, who took office in July 2025. For many graduates, this gathering was also their first opportunity to set foot on UPOU grounds, meet their professors in person, and connect face-to-face with classmates they had only known online.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Janet P. Armas, delivers the message as the Commencement Speaker for the 29th UPOU Commencement Exercises.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Janet P. Armas, a proud UPOU alumna, served as the Commencement Speaker. In her address, ASec. Armas underscored the strong partnership between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and UPOU. She highlighted how their collaboration has strengthened the competencies of thousands of government workers and enhanced social service delivery through shared expertise and innovative learning approaches, including flexible and microcredential-based education. She urged the graduates to embrace constancy, change, and coexistence as guiding principles in their professional journeys and encouraged them to use their education to serve the Filipino people and drive meaningful social transformation.
Ms. Kia Obang delivers the message as the representative of the graduating class.
The voice of the graduating class was represented by Ms. Kia Obang, a Master of Development Communication graduate. In her heartfelt message, Ms. Obang spoke of the perseverance and dedication required to balance personal responsibilities with the demands of rigorous online learning. She reflected on the inner growth and adaptability fostered by distance education and emphasized the importance of using their knowledge to bridge divides and champion justice both online and offline—especially for those whose studies began in the wake of the pandemic. She concluded with words of gratitude and inspiration, affirming the graduates’ readiness to serve as capable and responsible citizens.
Mr. Jerry Donato, DComm 2025, receives his UPOU doctoral hood from Chancellor Serrano (left), President Angelo Jimenez (second from right), and Prof. Arminda Santiago (rightmost), his adviser.
A total of 735 graduates from across the Philippines and around the world were conferred their degrees: 76 Associate, 153 Bachelor’s, 55 Graduate Certificate, 252 Graduate Diploma, 181 Master’s, and 18 PhD degrees. Among them, 80 graduates earned Latin honors—33 cum laude, 44 magna cum laude, and 3 summa cum laude. At the graduate level, 95 graduates completed their programs with distinction, with 64 earning a place on the Dean’s List and 31 on the Chancellor’s List.
Following the presentation of diplomas and the ceremonial hooding of doctoral candidates, the graduates took their oath as alumni of UP and UPOU. Pahinungod Volunteers were also recognized for their unwavering commitment to public service.
The ceremony concluded with a moving rendition of UP Naming Mahal, led by the UP Rural High School Glee Club, marking a meaningful and hopeful close to a historic commencement.
Written by Anna Cañas-Llamas | Edited by Primo G. Garcia | Photo by 29th Commencement Publicity Committee
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