UP CSSP Celebrates Hyflex Commencement 2022
UP CSSP Celebrates Hyflex Commencement 2022
30 JULY 2022: The UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy held a momentous hyflex (hybrid-flexible: face-to-face and online) ceremony for the graduating Class of 2022, after two consecutive years of full online graduations. This year’s theme, Tumitindig para sa Kapwa at Katotohanan, served as an evocative reminder of our responsibility to search for well-founded truths in the age of fake news and disinformation.
Strict health protocols were observed by the attendees which included the maintenance of physical distancing, required wearing of face masks, and minimal physical contact. Each graduate was limited to inviting one guest in order to comply with the minimum health guidelines. The entire event was live-streamed on the college’s official Facebook account and YouTube channel. Around 272 students gathered in front of historic Palma Hall to witness their highly anticipated graduation from college. Dr. Ruth Lusterio-Rico, on behalf of Dean Maria Bernadette L. Abrera, delivered the welcome remarks and emphasized the symbolic value of the annual ceremony: “Narito kayo harap ng tahanang intelektual at akademiko, dahil ito ang lugar ng pagsisiyasat, pagkatuto, at pagtugon.” She emphasized the value of speaking out for the truth and the necessity of embracing and expanding purpose beyond oneself.
The ceremony’s guest of honor was Atty. Jose Manuel “Chel” I. Diokno, founding Dean of De La Salle University College of Law and chairperson of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG). In his speech, Atty. Diokno honored the Filipino youth who exhibited boldness and bravery in charting history to its rightful course. He adamantly stressed that the youth could never be too young to engage in politics, show compassion for others, and speak truth to power. “Yung pinaka matingkad na mga pahina ng kasaysayan natin, ay isinulat gamit ang dugo at pawis, ang buhay at pagtitiis, at pag-iisip at pangarap ng mga kabataang Pilipino," Atty. Diokno noted.
The Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino (Kontra-GaPi) was likewise invited to showcase the richness of our culture through their musical performances.
Mr. Reginald Karl P. Marcos, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) major in Sociology, was chosen among the college's 30 summa cum laude graduates to speak on behalf of the Class of 2022. Mr. Marcos began his speech with a rather familiar but controversial statement, “History is like chismis." He then relayed the grim reality that many Filipinos treat facts with secondary importance: “Totoo na hindi lahat ng nakasulat ay may tamang pagkakasalaysay ng nakaraan, ngunit nag iisa lang ang umiiral na katotohanan." He also urged the graduates to look deeper into various social issues and think about the multifaceted reasons why some Filipinos hold questionable beliefs, contrary to what is factual. Love for the country and things that make the nation worthy of love was Mr. Marcos’ ultimate message to his fellow graduates as they commence life after university.