Award-winning journalist Atom Araullo and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz will deliver commencement speeches at UP Cebu and UP College of Human Kinetics, respectively.
This weekend, two units of the University of the Philippines will feature prominent figures — renowned journalist Atom Araullo and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz — as their commencement speakers, sharing messages of perseverance, social responsibility and national pride.
The University of the Philippines Cebu will welcome Alfonso Tomas “Atom” Araullo as its speaker for the 86th Commencement Exercises this July 4, at 2 p.m., at the Lahug Campus Grounds.
A journalist and documentary filmmaker, Atom is known for his impactful work on social issues, conflict, and the environment. He anchors “State of the Nation” on GTV and hosts “The Atom Araullo Specials” and “I-Witness” on GMA 7. He is also the co-founder of FYT, an independent media organization promoting community-oriented, public interest journalism, and serves as the National Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. His extensive work has received both local and international acclaim, including awards from the Association of International Broadcasting Awards, Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards, and ten medals from the New York Festivals. In 2019, he was recognized as one of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), and in 2022, he won first prize in the English Essay category of the Don Carlos Palanca Awards.
Atom was chosen by the Class of 2025 as their most-voted speaker, reflecting his continued relevance with today’s generation.
Meanwhile, the Diliman campus has extended an invitation to Hidilyn Diaz to be the guest speaker for the upcoming University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics (UP CHK) Commencement Exercises. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, at 9 a.m., at the UP Varsity Training Center, Diliman, Quezon City.
This year, the UP CHK is celebrating the academic journey of around 250 graduates from various programs, including Associate in Arts Sports Studies (AASS), Bachelor of Physical Education (BPE), Bachelor of Sports Science (BSS), Diploma in Exercise and Sports Science (DESS) and Master of Science in Human Movement Science (MSHMS). Among them are exceptional honorees: 8 Summa Cum Laude, 36 Magna Cum Laude and 23 Cum Laude.
Through the correspondences, the members of the academe said that it means so much to UP CHK — and most especially to the graduates — to have the very first Olympic Gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz , an Athlete of the Year, Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) and The Outstanding Women In Nation’s Service (TOWNS) awardee, among many other civic -related recognitions to share inspiring messages of lifting not only her life but most importantly the underprivileged in our country. It is important to the University that despite her rigorous training and very limited resources, Hidilyn was successful in finishing her education and made grassroots sports her advocacy and has continued to serve the Philippines through her athletic endeavors and leadership positions abroad.
For both Atom and Hidilyn, being a graduation speaker holds significant value. Atom, a renowned journalist known for his impactful storytelling, will likely inspire the youth to think critically, question the status quo, and become responsible citizens, emphasizing truth-seeking, empathy and the power of storytelling.
Hidilyn, the country’s first Olympic gold medalist, will share her journey of perseverance, dedication, and resilience, focusing on goal setting, discipline, determination and overcoming obstacles.
Given the current conditions of the country, both their speeches are expected to focus on themes relevant to the Filipino youth, such as embracing challenges, the power of resilience, hard work, determination, the value of mental health and self-care, and the importance of community, social responsibility and nation-building.
By sharing their experiences and insights, Atom and Hidilyn are expected to inspire and motivate the youth to become their best selves and make a positive difference in the world, like they have modeled.
