The UP High School in Iloilo conducted Pasidungog: A Moving Up and Recognition Program for Junior High School students and achievers at the UP Visayas Auditorium on July 13, 2023.
Seventy-seven Junior High School completers were presented by the Principal, Prof. Edelia Braga, for promotion to Senior High School and were confirmed by UPV College of Arts and Sciences Dean, Dr. Alice Joan Ferrer.
Awards for academic excellence and extracurricular activities were also presented to the student achievers, starting from Grade 7 to Grade 12. Witnessing the conferment of the awards and confirmation were Prof. Pepito Fernandez, Chair of the Professional Education Division, UPHSI faculty members and staff, parents, and guests.
Atty. Jose Mari Tirol, a UPHSI alumnus and currently the Dean of the University of San Agustin College of Law, was the honored speaker for the event. Atty. Tirol relayed his experiences at UP as a student that prodded him to be more serious about life after graduation.
In his message, he imparted five things to the completers: 1) To be responsible in pursuing one’s passion: "I request you to be careful in pursuing your passion. Because while you have rights, the others have rights also. Be inspired and passionate but always within reason. One should go with the UP’s motto of honor and excellence;” 2) To challenge yourself and set out to exceed them. He related that while he was enamored with UPV and wanted to remain as staff or faculty, he responded to the challenge of his parents by pursuing law. "Getting out of one’s comfort zone is the only way to improve;” 3) To look out for each other. "We who are a little better off should not look down on those below us and should perceive each other as equals. Progress and development are only achieved if we help each other, and no one is left behind;” 4) Learning never stops. It is a lifelong experience and a lifelong endeavor; and 5) Nobody is perfect. "Even if we commit mistakes, we should not stop and become victims of paralysis by overanalysis. Take reasonable risks," he emphasized.
Julia Zacal, the Junior High School first honor student, spoke on behalf of the Junior High School Batch 2023 completers. She recounted the high school memories of her batch, despite being disrupted by the pandemic. They entered in 2019 as freshmen and returned only in 2022 in their final year as Junior High School students.
She talked about how they all struggled with the online learning platforms, with fewer personal interactions among them. "I am proud that we all successfully survived those dark times. After all the cramming, breakdowns, and doubting, we did it. Honors or not, I congratulate everyone! I hope that we continue to believe in ourselves and keep the fire burning."
She also reminded her batchmates about the responsibility of being a UPHSI student. "As we step towards Senior High, we also carry numerous lessons and realizations we’ve received. Being Isko and Iska is not just a title but also a responsibility. Yupihay taught us to be the voice of the voiceless and to fight for the rights of our people. Moreover, the University's core values, Honor and Excellence, are what we should always uphold as we end and welcome a new chapter of our lives."
Atty. Rene John Nuñez, President of the UP Alumni Association - Iloilo Chapter, Inc. (UPAA-IC), inducted the Junior High School completers to the UPAA-IC, Inc.
