OFFICIALS of the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao awarded diplomas to 312 graduates during its 27th Commencement Exercises on July 10, 2025 at the UPMin Atrium. The Class of 2025 comes from 11 undergraduate programs, one associate program, two diploma programs, and three graduate programs.
Anakin Skywalker ‘Sky’ Pactores of the BS Computer Science program leads the UP Mindanao Class of 2025 as class valedictorian. He earned a cumulative weighted average grade (CWAG) of 1.1711, within the range of 1.000–1.2000, based on the highest possible grade of 1.00. He is UP Mindanao’s fifth summa cum laude and the first from the BS Computer Science program.
In his valedictory speech, Pactores emphasized UP’s true distinction lies not just in academic excellence, but in how it confronts students with the often harsh realities of life. “That’s what makes UP different,” he said. “It exposes you to situations that make you uncomfortable.”
He shared how witnessing his fellow students juggle sideline jobs and carry the weight of being family breadwinners challenged his own perspective.
“To be honest, it made me uncomfortable. But I could say, this discomfort is actually good, because it made me reflect from my previous perspective. This discomfort, you can never feel indifferent,” Pactores said.
Many choose practicality over passion…
Despite the privileges the UPMin students enjoy, such as free tuition, he reminded his fellow graduates that every slot taken at the university could have gone to someone else with untapped potential.
“The next Einstein has probably lived already,” he said.
He ended with a powerful call: to use their knowledge not just with brilliance, but with compassion, and to always act in service of the greater good.
“It is neither good nor bad, it is how we use it that determines what comes from it,” he concluded.
The speakers at the 27th Commencement Exercises sent off the Class 2025 with the highest hopes to serve the people, especially Mindanao.
The commencement speaker, Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, calls on the graduating class to become catalysts for change, championing reforms that will enable the educational landscape to grow, evolve, and thrive.
“In Tawi-Tawi, 1 in 3 residents cannot read or write functionally. Nakakabasa, nakakabilang pero hindi nakakaintindi. This is not an incitement, graduates of UP, it is an invitation to equity. Sa kagawaran ng edukasyon hindi lang kami tumitingin sa datos, tumutugon kami sa panawagan, sa mga kwento ng nasa malalayong lugar. (At the Department of Education, we do not just look at data; we also respond to the calls and stories coming from those in far-flung areas), the secretary said.
“We do this because we cannot expect our students to learn on an empty stomach, we cannot expand knowledge without the internet, we cannot rise as a nation without the ability to read. This is not charity, but this is our duty,” he added.
With deep conviction, UP Mindanao Chancellor Prof. Lyre Anni E. Murao called on the graduates to carry forward the values that define a true Iskolar ng Bayan: Honor, Excellence, and Service to the Nation.
“Honor is more than prestige; it is living with integrity, humility, and accountability. As you step into the world, never wear your UP education as a badge of entitlement. Remember, it was made possible by the Filipino people who believed in your potential and invested in your dreams,” Murao said.
In his congratulatory message printed in the souvenir program, UP President Angelo Jimenez echoes the theme of service:
“Your journey ahead is not just about personal success, but about lifelong service. Serve the people, especially our people here in Mindanao. As Iskolar ng Bayan, graduates of the national university, this is our calling and our commitment.” PR