15 summa cum laude students lead UP Diliman graduation

MANILA, Philippines - Fifteen summa cum laude students will lead the University of the Philippines Diliman's 102nd commencement exercises on Sunday after earning a general weighted average of 1.20 or better.

Leading the 4,365 candidates for graduation at the premier state university is Charles Michael T. Herrera, BS Biology, with an average grade of 1.065. Following him is Julian David P. Cabrera, BS Psychology (1.084) and Jann Adriel C. Sy, BS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (1.087).

The other students who will receive the university's highest academic distinction include: Jasper Powell S. Esguerra, BS Chemical Engineering (1.089); Andrew Vincent S. Yap, BS Industrial Engineering (1.104);  Vincent A. Yu, BS Business Administration (1.112); Jonel Nicole A. Jao, BA Linguistics (1.119); Angel E. Jaurigue Jr., BS Civil Engineering (1.123); Mariama Antonette R. Bilog, BS Psychology (1.143);  Krista Carmina B. Arellano, BA European Languages (1.151); Jane Melissa D.L. Lim, BS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (1.175); Melvin Floyd E. See, BS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (1.175); Michelle Ann S. Lao, BS Biology (1.175);  Joshua Vincent H. Baroña, BS Psychology (1.186); and Louie Arielle A. Dado, BS Psychology (1.196).

Yu will deliver the speech in behalf of the graduating class.

Aside from the top honors, 218 will graduate magna cum laude (grade up to 1.45) and 813 cum laude (grade up to 1.75).

Out of the total number of graduates, 3,446 will obtain their undergraduate degrees, 718 will receive master’s degrees and 79 will get doctoral degrees.

Former UP President and current Senator Edgardo Angara will grace the commencement exercises and will be conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his  â€œresolute advocacy and contributions to the cause of education in the country” and for his “distinguished service at the helm of the University, his Alma Mater, championing its tradition of academic excellence and advocating fiscal autonomy and securing its future as the country’s premier institution of higher learning,” UP said.