THE University of the Philippines Diliman’s (UPD) class of 2026 produced 154 summa cum laude, 927 magna cum laude, and 914 cum laude graduates, according to the Office of the University Registrar.

Bachelor of Science in Social Work summa cum laude graduate Janine Sofia Marie Umiten delivered the graduates’ message as class representative at UPD’s 115th general commencement exercises on July 5.

Umiten and six of her summa cum laude batchmates told stories of struggle and hope, as published on the official Facebook page of UP Diliman.

‘UP teaches us to question everything. Authority. Tradition. Power. The point of critical thinking is not to become the most annoying person in the room. The point is to become harder to manipulate,’ said Atom Araullo in his talk before the UP Baguio class of 2026. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK n Zyrus Vander F. Rico n Gabrielle Frances G. Oco n Vanessa Ryanne G. Julio n Mike Aaron O. Capsuyen n Samuel Jaime A. Acabado n Janine Sofia Marie Umiten PHOTOS FROM UP DILIMAN FACEBOOK
‘UP teaches us to question everything. Authority. Tradition. Power. The point of critical thinking is not to become the most annoying person in the room. The point is to become harder to manipulate,’ said Atom Araullo in his talk before the UP Baguio class of 2026. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK n Zyrus Vander F. Rico n Gabrielle Frances G. Oco n Vanessa Ryanne G. Julio n Mike Aaron O. Capsuyen n Samuel Jaime A. Acabado n Janine Sofia Marie Umiten PHOTOS FROM UP DILIMAN FACEBOOK
Samuel Jaime A. Acabado
Samuel Jaime A. Acabado
Mike Aaron O. Capsuyen
Mike Aaron O. Capsuyen
Vanessa Ryanne G. Julio
Vanessa Ryanne G. Julio
Gabrielle Frances G. Oco
Gabrielle Frances G. Oco
Zyrus Vander F. Rico
Zyrus Vander F. Rico
Colene Anne R. Santos THE University of the Philippines Diliman’s (UPD) class of 2026 produced 154 summa cum laude, 927 magna cum laude, and 914 cum laude graduates, according to the Office of the University Registrar. Bachelor of Science in Social Work summa cum laude graduate Janine Sofia Marie Umiten delivered the graduates’ message as class representative at UPD’s 115th general commencement exercises on July 5. Umiten and six of her summa cum laude batchmates told stories of struggle and hope, as published on the official Facebook page of UP Diliman. Janine Sofia Marie Umiten Bachelor of Science in Social Work Class Representative Sofia describes her self-care routine during hell week at school as “doomscrolling on my phone until I fall asleep,” and would even convince herself as one deserving of time playing The Sims on her laptop. “Most of the time, I glue myself to my desk and stay there until I feel confident in the work I have accomplished,” she said. All these she had to leave behind for fieldwork in La Union, living with farmers who do not have regular access to water. Leaving her comfort zone taught her to be in touch with her senses and appreciate things she would often overlook. Her experience made her realize that her role was not to organize the community of La Union farmers “as if change depended on me,” but “to learn from the people and help them create spaces where they recognize their power.” “To my fellow iskolar ng bayan, there is a reason why we are subject to public scrutiny. After all, our education is made possible through the taxes of the Filipino people. We have a duty not to let it serve the interests of the powerful, but to be of use to marginalized communities. From these experiences, I finally learned what sets UP education apart. It is not the rigor of mastering theories, but the humility it cultivates within us to recognize that excellence must be rooted in serving the people by seeing the world through their eyes,” she said. Samuel Jaime A. Acabado Bachelor of Science in Community Development Samuel is from Camaligan, Camarines Sur. He takes pride in his Bicolano roots, which continue to shape his commitment to service and community work. As a son of a government employee, he was exposed to a life of service early on. At UP, he learned that development is not just about implementing programs or providing dole-outs. “It is about believing in the communities’ capacity to make sense of their own realities, draw on their local knowledge to identify the best solutions, and exercise their agency in bringing about change in their lives and realizing their aspirations,” he said. He served as college representative and head of the People’s Struggle Committee in the University Student Council. He was also president of UP Harong, the provincial organization of UP students from Camarines Sur. In 2025, his mother died, which he described as the biggest heartbreak of his life. He said he will continue working with marginalized sectors and contributing to initiatives that advance social justice, sustainable rural development, and people-centered change. Mike Aaron O. Capsuyen Bachelor of Sports Science Born and raised in Baguio City, Mike traces his roots to the towns of Sagada and Sabangan in the Mountain Province. He carries in him the Igorot values of humility, resilience, and service, which shaped his academic journey and personal growth. He chose sports science as a pre-med course because he “had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. I am also passionate with sports and even competed at the Palarong Pambansa in my high school days. Sports science became the perfect program for me, allowing me to combine my interest in sports with my aspirations in medicine.” He also joined the folk and modern jazz UP Filipiniana Dance Group and the regional student organization UP Namnama. He was likewise a core leader of the campus-based Christian student organization Cru UPD. “As I move forward, I hope to continue using my education and talents to promote health, preserve culture, and serve the Filipino people,” he said. Vanessa Ryanne G. Julio Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Vanessa had aspired to study at UP, where her aunt, older cousins and sister all graduated with honors. Among her most memorable experiences were winning first place at the 12th Industrial Engineering Competition in Bandung, Indonesia, practicing for the College of Engineering’s Awitan chorale competition, and volunteering at the UP College Admissions Mastery Program organized by the IE Club. Despite having achieved the highest weighted average grade of 1.040 among the entire batch, she admits she isn’t the most gifted student. “What sets me apart is not exceptional intelligence or having a perfect routine, but being consistent, disciplined, and having confidence in my ability to keep going. Like any other student, I experience periods of burnout, but I find comfort and motivation in simple things: A glass of matcha, a Taylor Swift song, or conversations with friends filled with rants,” she said. She considers the relationships she has built with friends, professors and mentors to be among the most meaningful in her university journey. Gabrielle Frances G. Oco Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology Gabrielle has a keen interest in the social determinants of health, having focused her undergraduate research on health care and its delivery. She also pursues socio-civic work and volunteering engagements. Her understanding of the world is influenced by cultural relativism — viewing cultures through the lens of their own unique logic and context. This is reflected in her perspective of the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao. Rather than viewing it as a purely natural disaster, she recognized how structural violence shaped the experience across communities. She observed how Mindanao’s position as a sociopolitical and geographic periphery stifled mainstream media coverage and delayed the delivery of critical assistance, noting the reliance on boats to transport relief goods due to a severe lack of access roads in some areas. The crisis underscored the necessity of delivering culturally sensitive assistance that honors the diverse practices of Mindanao’s tri-people population of Muslims, Christians, and Lumads. These on-the-ground experiences solidified her belief in the need for an anthropological perspective in addressing structural inequities. As for her downtime, Gabrielle enjoys cruising on her longboard and visiting cafes and community spaces around Teacher’s Village in Quezon City. She also keeps a personal collection of tree and foliage photography on a phone gallery along with snapshots of her beloved family dogs. She likewise enjoys taking long walks, aiming to hit 10,000 steps a day while listening to playlists that she curates. Zyrus Vander F. Rico Bachelor of Science in Psychology The salt-laden breeze of the coastal city of Navotas drapes over Zyrus’ sablay — its hallowed threads a witness not only to academic excellence but also to weathering life’s fiercest tempests. The son of a taxi driver and a cashier, Zyrus grew up believing that while dreaming is free, turning those dreams into reality is neither without cost nor handed over on a silver platter. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his freshman year at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing him to take a three-semester-long leave of absence and forgo his scholarship grant from the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute. “My family advised against working, as it may exacerbate my still-recovering mental health state. In lieu of pursuing side hustles, I concentrated my efforts in doing well in my studies, gaining further skills through internships, and catching up on the dropped units incurred during my leave by taking midyear classes,” Zyrus recalled. His internship at UP Diliman PsycServ opened his eyes to the realities of mental health in the community, strengthening his conviction that the issue cannot be divorced from structural and systemic inequalities. He credits the support and efforts of his mother and breadwinner older sister (herself a UP graduate), as well as a scholarship from the non-profit organization Project Inclusion Network, for getting him through a difficult time. The family’s efforts paid off as he finished his degree. He aims for financial independence by working while preparing to become a medical doctor. Colene Anne R. Santos Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy Colene demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service through the organization UP Kabataang Pilosopo Tasyo, serving as public relations secretary in 2021 and externals head in 2023. She also distinguished herself in the Emmanuel Q. Fernando Philosophy Undergraduate Conference, earning awards such as best presenter in Applied Ethics, champion in the Ethics Bowl Team Competition, second place in the Quiz Bee Team Competition, and third place in the Applied Ethics Best Paper Competition. Behind these achievements is a story of perseverance. Colene experienced a difficult childhood that forced her to pause her formal education for several years. She then enrolled in the Department of Education program for out-of-school youth, completing the Alternative Learning System for elementary and passing the Philippine Educational Placement Test for high school. She initially failed the examination equivalent to Grade 8, but she retook the exam and passed. Inspired by her own educational journey, Colene advocates for the youth’s right to education and gender equality. Through her work with child-centered organizations, she promotes critical thinking in early childhood education, using philosophy to empower young minds and drive meaningful social change. She intends to go to law school as part of her lifelong commitment to learning and public service. THE MANILA TIMES
Colene Anne R. Santos THE University of the Philippines Diliman’s (UPD) class of 2026 produced 154 summa cum laude, 927 magna cum laude, and 914 cum laude graduates, according to the Office of the University Registrar. Bachelor of Science in Social Work summa cum laude graduate Janine Sofia Marie Umiten delivered the graduates’ message as class representative at UPD’s 115th general commencement exercises on July 5. Umiten and six of her summa cum laude batchmates told stories of struggle and hope, as published on the official Facebook page of UP Diliman. Janine Sofia Marie Umiten Bachelor of Science in Social Work Class Representative Sofia describes her self-care routine during hell week at school as “doomscrolling on my phone until I fall asleep,” and would even convince herself as one deserving of time playing The Sims on her laptop. “Most of the time, I glue myself to my desk and stay there until I feel confident in the work I have accomplished,” she said. All these she had to leave behind for fieldwork in La Union, living with farmers who do not have regular access to water. Leaving her comfort zone taught her to be in touch with her senses and appreciate things she would often overlook. Her experience made her realize that her role was not to organize the community of La Union farmers “as if change depended on me,” but “to learn from the people and help them create spaces where they recognize their power.” “To my fellow iskolar ng bayan, there is a reason why we are subject to public scrutiny. After all, our education is made possible through the taxes of the Filipino people. We have a duty not to let it serve the interests of the powerful, but to be of use to marginalized communities. From these experiences, I finally learned what sets UP education apart. It is not the rigor of mastering theories, but the humility it cultivates within us to recognize that excellence must be rooted in serving the people by seeing the world through their eyes,” she said. Samuel Jaime A. Acabado Bachelor of Science in Community Development Samuel is from Camaligan, Camarines Sur. He takes pride in his Bicolano roots, which continue to shape his commitment to service and community work. As a son of a government employee, he was exposed to a life of service early on. At UP, he learned that development is not just about implementing programs or providing dole-outs. “It is about believing in the communities’ capacity to make sense of their own realities, draw on their local knowledge to identify the best solutions, and exercise their agency in bringing about change in their lives and realizing their aspirations,” he said. He served as college representative and head of the People’s Struggle Committee in the University Student Council. He was also president of UP Harong, the provincial organization of UP students from Camarines Sur. In 2025, his mother died, which he described as the biggest heartbreak of his life. He said he will continue working with marginalized sectors and contributing to initiatives that advance social justice, sustainable rural development, and people-centered change. Mike Aaron O. Capsuyen Bachelor of Sports Science Born and raised in Baguio City, Mike traces his roots to the towns of Sagada and Sabangan in the Mountain Province. He carries in him the Igorot values of humility, resilience, and service, which shaped his academic journey and personal growth. He chose sports science as a pre-med course because he “had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. I am also passionate with sports and even competed at the Palarong Pambansa in my high school days. Sports science became the perfect program for me, allowing me to combine my interest in sports with my aspirations in medicine.” He also joined the folk and modern jazz UP Filipiniana Dance Group and the regional student organization UP Namnama. He was likewise a core leader of the campus-based Christian student organization Cru UPD. “As I move forward, I hope to continue using my education and talents to promote health, preserve culture, and serve the Filipino people,” he said. Vanessa Ryanne G. Julio Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Vanessa had aspired to study at UP, where her aunt, older cousins and sister all graduated with honors. Among her most memorable experiences were winning first place at the 12th Industrial Engineering Competition in Bandung, Indonesia, practicing for the College of Engineering’s Awitan chorale competition, and volunteering at the UP College Admissions Mastery Program organized by the IE Club. Despite having achieved the highest weighted average grade of 1.040 among the entire batch, she admits she isn’t the most gifted student. “What sets me apart is not exceptional intelligence or having a perfect routine, but being consistent, disciplined, and having confidence in my ability to keep going. Like any other student, I experience periods of burnout, but I find comfort and motivation in simple things: A glass of matcha, a Taylor Swift song, or conversations with friends filled with rants,” she said. She considers the relationships she has built with friends, professors and mentors to be among the most meaningful in her university journey. Gabrielle Frances G. Oco Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology Gabrielle has a keen interest in the social determinants of health, having focused her undergraduate research on health care and its delivery. She also pursues socio-civic work and volunteering engagements. Her understanding of the world is influenced by cultural relativism — viewing cultures through the lens of their own unique logic and context. This is reflected in her perspective of the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao. Rather than viewing it as a purely natural disaster, she recognized how structural violence shaped the experience across communities. She observed how Mindanao’s position as a sociopolitical and geographic periphery stifled mainstream media coverage and delayed the delivery of critical assistance, noting the reliance on boats to transport relief goods due to a severe lack of access roads in some areas. The crisis underscored the necessity of delivering culturally sensitive assistance that honors the diverse practices of Mindanao’s tri-people population of Muslims, Christians, and Lumads. These on-the-ground experiences solidified her belief in the need for an anthropological perspective in addressing structural inequities. As for her downtime, Gabrielle enjoys cruising on her longboard and visiting cafes and community spaces around Teacher’s Village in Quezon City. She also keeps a personal collection of tree and foliage photography on a phone gallery along with snapshots of her beloved family dogs. She likewise enjoys taking long walks, aiming to hit 10,000 steps a day while listening to playlists that she curates. Zyrus Vander F. Rico Bachelor of Science in Psychology The salt-laden breeze of the coastal city of Navotas drapes over Zyrus’ sablay — its hallowed threads a witness not only to academic excellence but also to weathering life’s fiercest tempests. The son of a taxi driver and a cashier, Zyrus grew up believing that while dreaming is free, turning those dreams into reality is neither without cost nor handed over on a silver platter. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his freshman year at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing him to take a three-semester-long leave of absence and forgo his scholarship grant from the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute. “My family advised against working, as it may exacerbate my still-recovering mental health state. In lieu of pursuing side hustles, I concentrated my efforts in doing well in my studies, gaining further skills through internships, and catching up on the dropped units incurred during my leave by taking midyear classes,” Zyrus recalled. His internship at UP Diliman PsycServ opened his eyes to the realities of mental health in the community, strengthening his conviction that the issue cannot be divorced from structural and systemic inequalities. He credits the support and efforts of his mother and breadwinner older sister (herself a UP graduate), as well as a scholarship from the non-profit organization Project Inclusion Network, for getting him through a difficult time. The family’s efforts paid off as he finished his degree. He aims for financial independence by working while preparing to become a medical doctor. Colene Anne R. Santos Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy Colene demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service through the organization UP Kabataang Pilosopo Tasyo, serving as public relations secretary in 2021 and externals head in 2023. She also distinguished herself in the Emmanuel Q. Fernando Philosophy Undergraduate Conference, earning awards such as best presenter in Applied Ethics, champion in the Ethics Bowl Team Competition, second place in the Quiz Bee Team Competition, and third place in the Applied Ethics Best Paper Competition. Behind these achievements is a story of perseverance. Colene experienced a difficult childhood that forced her to pause her formal education for several years. She then enrolled in the Department of Education program for out-of-school youth, completing the Alternative Learning System for elementary and passing the Philippine Educational Placement Test for high school. She initially failed the examination equivalent to Grade 8, but she retook the exam and passed. Inspired by her own educational journey, Colene advocates for the youth’s right to education and gender equality. Through her work with child-centered organizations, she promotes critical thinking in early childhood education, using philosophy to empower young minds and drive meaningful social change. She intends to go to law school as part of her lifelong commitment to learning and public service. THE MANILA TIMES

Bachelor of Science in Social Work

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Class Representative

Sofia describes her self-care routine during hell week at school as “doomscrolling on my phone until I fall asleep,” and would even convince herself as one deserving of time playing The Sims on her laptop.

“Most of the time, I glue myself to my desk and stay there until I feel confident in the work I have accomplished,” she said.

All these she had to leave behind for fieldwork in La Union, living with farmers who do not have regular access to water.

Leaving her comfort zone taught her to be in touch with her senses and appreciate things she would often overlook.

Her experience made her realize that her role was not to organize the community of La Union farmers “as if change depended on me,” but “to learn from the people and help them create spaces where they recognize their power.” “To my fellow iskolar ng bayan, there is a reason why we are subject to public scrutiny. After all, our education is made possible through the taxes of the Filipino people. We have a duty not to let it serve the interests of the powerful, but be of use to marginalized communities. From these experiences, I finally learned what sets UP education apart. It is not the rigor of mastering theories, but the humility it cultivates within us to recognize that excellence must be rooted in serving the people by seeing the world through their eyes,” she said.

.

Bachelor of Science in Community Development

Samuel is from Camaligan, Camarines Sur. He takes pride in his Bicolano roots, which continue to shape his commitment to service and community work.

As a son of a government employee, he was exposed to a life of service early on.

At UP, he learned that development is not just about implementing programs or providing dole-outs.

“It is about believing in the communities’ capacity to make sense of their own realities, draw on their local knowledge to identify the best solutions, and exercise their agency in bringing about change in their lives and realizing their aspirations,” he said.

He served as college representative and head of the People’s Struggle Committee in the University Student Council. He was also president of UP Harong, the provincial organization of UP students from Camarines Sur.

In 2025, his mother died, which he described as the biggest heartbreak of his life.

He said he will continue working with marginalized sectors and contributing to initiatives that advance social justice, sustainable rural development, and people-centered change.

.

Bachelor of Sports Science

Born and raised in Baguio City, Mike traces his roots to the towns of Sagada and Sabangan in the Mountain Province. He carries in him the Igorot values of humility, resilience, and service, which shaped his academic journey and personal growth.

He chose sports science as a pre-med course because he “had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. I am also passionate with sports and even competed at the Palarong Pambansa in my high school days. Sports science became the perfect program for me, allowing me to combine my interest in sports with my aspirations in medicine.” He also joined the folk and modern jazz UP Filipiniana Dance Group and the regional student organization UP Namnama. He was likewise a core leader of the campus-based Christian student organization Cru UPD.

“As I move forward, I hope to continue using my education and talents to promote health, preserve culture, and serve the Filipino people,” he said.

.

Bachelor of Science

in Industrial Engineering Vanessa had aspired to study at UP, where her aunt, older cousins and sister all graduated with honors.

Among her most memorable experiences were winning first place at the 12th Industrial Engineering Competition in Bandung, Indonesia, practicing for the College of Engineering’s Awitan chorale competition, and volunteering at the UP College Admissions Mastery Program organized by the IE Club.

Despite having achieved the highest weighted average grade of 1.040 among the entire batch, she admits she isn’t the most gifted student.

“What sets me apart is not exceptional intelligence or having a perfect routine, but being consistent, disciplined, and having confidence in my ability to keep going. Like any other student, I experience periods of burnout, but I find comfort and motivation in simple things: A glass of matcha, a Taylor Swift song, or conversations with friends filled with rants,” she said.

She considers the relationships she has built with friends, professors and mentors to be among the most meaningful in her university journey.

.

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

Gabrielle has a keen interest in the social determinants of health, having focused her undergraduate research on health care and its delivery. She also pursues socio-civic work and volunteering engagements.

Her understanding of the world is influenced by cultural relativism — viewing cultures through the lens of their own unique logic and context.

This is reflected in her perspective of the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao. Rather than viewing it as a purely natural disaster, she recognized how structural violence shaped the experience across communities. She observed how Mindanao’s position as a sociopolitical and geographic periphery stifled mainstream media coverage and delayed the delivery of critical assistance, noting the reliance on boats to transport relief goods due to a severe lack of access roads in some areas.

The crisis underscored the necessity of delivering culturally sensitive assistance that honors the diverse practices of Mindanao’s tri-people population of Muslims, Christians, and Lumads. These on-the-ground experiences solidified her belief in the need for an anthropological perspective in addressing structural inequities.

As for her downtime, Gabrielle enjoys cruising on her longboard and visiting cafes and community spaces around Teacher’s Village in Quezon City. She also keeps a personal collection of tree and foliage photography on a phone gallery along with snapshots of her beloved family dogs. She likewise enjoys taking long walks, aiming to hit 10,000 steps a day while listening to playlists that she curates.

.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The salt-laden breeze of the coastal city of Navotas drapes over Zyrus’ sablay — its hallowed threads a witness not only to academic excellence but also to weathering life’s fiercest tempests.

The son of a taxi driver and a cashier, Zyrus grew up believing that while dreaming is free, turning those dreams into reality is neither without cost nor handed over on a silver platter.

He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his freshman year at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing him to take a three-semester-long leave of absence and forgo his scholarship grant from the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute.

“My family advised against working, as it may exacerbate my still-recovering mental health state. In lieu of pursuing side hustles, I concentrated my efforts in doing well in my studies, gaining further skills through internships, and catching up on the dropped units incurred during my leave by taking midyear classes,” Zyrus recalled.

His internship at UP Diliman PsycServ opened his eyes to the realities of mental health in the community, strengthening his conviction that the issue cannot be divorced from structural and systemic inequalities.

He credits the support and efforts of his mother and breadwinner older sister (herself a UP graduate), as well as a scholarship from the non-profit organization Project Inclusion Network, for getting him through a difficult time.

The family’s efforts paid off as he finished his degree. He aims for financial independence by working while preparing to become a medical doctor.

.

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Colene demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service through the organization UP Kabataang Pilosopo Tasyo, serving as public relations secretary in 2021 and externals head in 2023. She also distinguished herself in the Emmanuel Q. Fernando Philosophy Undergraduate Conference, earning awards such as best presenter in Applied Ethics, champion in the Ethics Bowl Team Competition, second place in the Quiz Bee Team Competition, and third place in the Applied Ethics Best Paper Competition.

Behind these achievements is a story of perseverance. Colene experienced a difficult childhood that forced her to pause her formal education for several years.

She then enrolled in the Department of Education program for out-of-school youth, completing the Alternative Learning System for elementary and passing the Philippine Educational Placement Test for high school.

She initially failed the examination equivalent to Grade 8, but she retook the exam and passed.

Inspired by her own educational journey, Colene advocates for the youth’s right to education and gender equality. Through her work with child-centered organizations, she promotes critical thinking in early childhood education, using philosophy to empower young minds and drive meaningful social change.

She intends to go to law school as part of her lifelong commitment to learning and public service.