To our guest speaker, National Artist Kidlat Tahimik, to our Chancellor, Chancellor Vistan, to our dean, Dr. Giovanni Tapang, academicians, university officials, institute directors, faculty, parents, guests and of course graduates, magandang gabi po sa ating lahat.

The theme for today’s commencement is “Science in the Service of Society.” Since I’m not particularly experienced in writing speeches, I’ll approach this topic the way we tackle complex scientific journals—by defining and discussing each term.

Let’s start with the word “science.” After spending at least four years immersed in this field, I believe its meaning is already familiar to us. However, I’d like to share a glimpse of the state of science in our country based on my experiences.

My adviser, Dr. Nathaniel Hermosa came back to the Philippines from his postdoctoral position as a Balik-Scientist fellow to establish his own laboratory in 2015. I was fortunate to be one of his first advisees. I witnessed firsthand the process of building a laboratory from the ground up, including the relatively tedious process of procuring equipment. I have seen how researchers, including my mentors, often have to justify their work as addressing pressing issues like poverty just to secure financial support in their projects. I, myself have experienced being disheartened with these circumstances. Last 2023, our work was selected as a finalist for the Best Student Research Award in Spain. Despite the university’s generous support, I was unable to attend the conference in person due to inadequate funding.

Let me be clear: our university is incredibly supportive and generous with research funding, but these challenges are part of the reality we face. Minsan nakaka-frustrate, madalas nakaka-lungkot. Yet, despite these obstacles, we continue to excel, producing great research papers and nurturing world-class scientists.

During one research meeting, I asked my adviser, “Why did you choose to return and conduct experiments here in the Philippines when it might be easier to do so abroad?” His response, in essence, was that while we might lack in resources and funding, we make up with ingenuity and resourcefulness. This may be an adaptive skill, but our lack forces us to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems.

Next word is service. For this part, let me tell you a story.

Tungkol ito sa isang mag-asawang magsasaka na nagngangalang Ceasar at Aurora. Sila ay may tatlong anak: isang panganay na babae at dalawang lalaki. Upang mapagtapos ang kanilang mga anak, kinailangan nilang maghanap ng iba pang trabaho bukod sa pagsasaka. Nagsimulang mag-buy and sell si Ceasar ng mga baboy, at naging manininda naman sa palengke si Aurora. Ang kanilang panganay na anak na si Mona ang katulong ng kanyang ina sa pagtitinda sa palengke.

Sa murang edad, namulat si Mona sa hirap ng buhay at sa sakripisyo ng kanyang mga magulang upang mapag-aral silang magkakapatid. Sa buong apat na taon ng high school, mayroon lamang siyang isang pares ng uniporme at isang pares ng sapatos na pinilit niyang pinagkakasya sa kanyang lumalaking paa. Nakapagtapos ng high school si Mona, ngunit dahil sa hirap ng buhay, sinabihan siya ng kanyang ina na baka hindi na nya ito kayang suportahan sa pag-aaral nito sa kolehiyo. Pursigidong makatapos ng pag-aaral si Mona, kaya naghanap siya ng paraan upang tulungan ang kanyang sariling makapag tapos. Nag-simula syang magbenta sa kanyang mga classmates ng kanyang mga paninda. Nag tiis syang mag-meryenda sa isang pirasong muncher o tattoos habang pinapanood ang kanyang mga kaklaseng kumain ng softdrinks at piattos. Sa awa ng Diyos, nakakuha sya ng scholarship at tuluyang nakapagtapos ng kolehiyo.

This story is not mine but that of my mother’s and grandparents’. My mother was the first in her clan to earn a college degree. I am the first in our immediate family to graduate in UP.

We should remember that these diplomas and degrees are not solely the result of our individual efforts. We are here because of the collective support and sacrifices of those who stood by us throughout this journey. We are reaping the fruits of their labor and dedication.

Where does service fit into all this? Service and sacrifice go hand-in-hand. True service is never comfortable; it involves sacrificing something of our own and going out of our way to help others.

My grandfather Ceasar, who passed away during the 2020 pandemic, is not here to witness this moment. While we may never fully repay the debt we owe to those who came before us, we can certainly pay it forward. We can become mentors to the next generation of scientists. We can serve our community with our knowledge and skills. We can conduct research that advances science for the betterment of society.

Finally, let’s reflect on the word “society.”

I had a hard time concentrating on writing this speech due to the recent flood that has affected so many this week. In the middle of the typhoon last Wednesday, my husband had to rescue our pamangkins in Cainta because the flood is already approaching their second floor. It is really challenging to celebrate today however, I believe this is precisely the moment to reflect on the true meaning of this ceremony.

I took some time to research the meaning behind our UP Sablay. According to OUR’s website, the word “Sablay” refers to an indigenous loose garment that, though simple, is traditionally worn for formal occasions. As a verb (isablay), it means to drape a precious object, such as this garment, over one’s shoulder, symbolizing value and respect for that object.

Today, we are giving value and honoring not only our efforts but also the people who have paved the way for us—our seniors, mentors, and the entire community who helped us wear this Sablay with pride. We are showing respect for the dedication and service of everyone who made our journey possible.

Our UP Sablay represents more than personal achievement; it symbolizes our responsibility to contribute to society. As we wear our Sablays today, let us remember that our journey is a testament to the collective effort and dedication of our community. It’s a call to use our knowledge, skills, and achievements to serve others, to uplift those around us, and to address the pressing needs of our society.

As my call to action, I want to repeat what I said in our institute’s recognition this morning.

Pagsilbihan ang kapwa, pagsilbihan ang sambayanan. Gamitin natin ang pananaliksik bilang instrumento ng pagbabago.

Let’s use our education in paying it forward and may our legacy be one of bettering the next generation.

Thank you, and congratulations to the College of Science Class of 2024. Mabuhay ang mga siyentista ng bayan.