Chemistry grad leads UP rites

MANILA, Philippines - A chemistry student will lead around 4,000 graduates of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City during the commencement exercises on Sunday.

Ralph John Ugalino, 19, topped the list of 20 summa cum laude graduates for having a general average of 1.067, data from the UP Diliman Information Office showed.

In an interview with The STAR yesterday, Ugalino – who was among those who received the highest honors at the Philippine Science High School in 2010 – said he did not expect to top the UP Class of 2014. Like other students, he dreamed and worked hard to finish with honors from the university.

He said his parents and friends have told him how proud they were of him and what he has achievement. His father is a member of a survey firm, while his mother is a bank employee.

Ugalino, the elder of two children, said he would not pressure his 9-year-old brother to achieve or surpass what he did.

“What’s important is he enjoys what he’s doing,” he said.

He stressed the importance of a balanced academic and social life when asked for advice for incoming UP students aspiring to graduate with honors.

“You have to balance your time in fulfilling your responsibilities and achieving things that you want or need.”

Back to school

After graduation, Ugalino said he plans to go back to school to take his master’s degree in chemistry.

He said he applied for the graduate program offered by the UP Institute of Chemistry, as he is interested in joining academe to teach and conduct research.

Ugalino said chemistry has attracted him since high school. His focus is physical chemistry. He said he is also open to studying abroad to expand his experience. “I’m keeping my options open.”

More summa cum laude graduates

The number of UP’s summa cum laude graduates – or those who got a weighted average of 1.20 and above – this year is higher than last year’s 15.

Aside from Ugalino, the 19 other summa cum laude graduates are Adelen Victoria Festin, Victor Angelo Blancada, Kenji Rowel Lim, John Felix Cabanlong, Kevin Patrick Lim, Camille Salazar, Maxine Lourraine Ty, Patricia Isabel Sotto, Jessica Ruth Biscocho, Eric David Ornos, Alexander John Cruz, Walter John Cheng, Jose Maria Marella, Gerard Don Padilla, Prince Joseph Erneszer Javier, Rowell de Guzman Castro, Elijah Joshua Cayabyab, Justine Kristel Villegas and Karen Lena Mckenzie.

More than 200 magna cum laude and 800 cum laude graduates will also join the commencement exercises. UP has yet to release the exact number of graduates.

Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, a graduate and former faculty of the UP College of Law, will be the commencement speaker.