UP Diliman holds 115th commencement exercise

Former Ombudsman and retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales urged the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Class of 2026 to uphold respect as a guiding value, warning against confusing obedience with genuine respect in an increasingly divided society.

Serving as the commencement speaker, Morales drew from her decades of experience in the judiciary and public service as she challenged graduates to reflect on the role of respect in their lives.

"In a world increasingly divided by arrogance, intolerance, and indifference, the call to 'gumalang' (respect) becomes not merely timely but urgent."

Addressing the graduates, Morales asked: "When and to whom did you last show respect? Is respect already second nature to you? Do you choose carefully the people, things, and ideas that you respect?"

She said respect remains a core Filipino value but is "tragically and sorely lacking" in Philippine society, adding that authoritarian regimes often disguise demands for obedience as respect to suppress criticism.

"But paggalang (respect) is more than politeness, deference, or obedience toward elders and those in positions of authority," Morales said.

"It also recognizes another person as a human being. Paggalang requires recognizing the dignity of others and their right to speak, disagree, and participate in public life without fear of reprisal," she added.

UP Diliman also recognized the academic achievements of 1,995 honor graduates, including 154 summa cum laude, 927 magna cum laude, and 914 cum laude awardees.

Representing the UP Diliman Class of 2026, Janine Sofia Marie Umiten, who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the College of Social Work and Community Development, delivered the Graduates' Address.