The UP High School Cebu Student Council (SC) held a 2-day orientation last August 19-20, 2021 via Zoom for the candidates of the upcoming SC elections for AY 2021- 2022.

This year’s political parties are Barug UP, led by incoming Grade 11 student Joseph Nathaniel N. Bael, and SCS UP, led by incoming Grade 10 student Hannah Vincent A. Bajao.

On the first day of the orientation, Peter Jerald L. Toboso, UP High alumni, and former SC president, talked about what a student council is. Toboso then proceeded to discuss the Constitution and By Laws.

On the second day, Jeremiah Keziah C. Balmori, current SC president, and Aura Mae Agbay, former president of the UP Cebu University Student Council, discussed the general role, specific role, and role of the UP High School Student Council amidst the pandemic.

Shaira Tiu Satinitigan | UP Tambuli

UP High School Cebu were honored to have Atty. Melina Almase-Martinez, Mr. Norman D. Aragon, and Dr. David V. Lardizabal of Class 1982 as the esteemed guest speakers in this year’s graduation, promotion, and recognition ceremonies. They shared inspiring messages to the graduates, completers, and honorees in the virtual ceremonies held last August 11 and 12, 2021. You can watch their full speeches below:

Atty. Melina Almase-Martinez, Class Valedictorian, Commencement Speaker, Commencement Exercises 2021

Mr. Norman D. Aragon, Guest Speaker, Promotion Ceremonies 2021

Dr. David V. Lardizabal, Guest Speaker, Convocation of Honorees 2021

A year after the COVID-19 pandemic started, UP High School Cebu finally held its 44th Commencement Exercises via Zoom and which was livestreamed on Facebook on August 12, 2021.

The 38 graduates Class 2020 and 39 candidates of Class 2021 attended their virtual graduation wearing their sablitos.

Atty. Melina Almase-Martinez, Class Valedictorian of Class 1982, was the Commencement Speaker. “It is my hope that our beloved country and you, the graduates, who are now facing one of the greatest challenges ever faced by mankind, will stand firm, strong, and prevail,” she said.

Ericka Monique Miranda, Class 2020 valedictorian, reflected on her journey in UP. “One day, you might seek to change the world into a better place, or even when facing the harshness of reality, your GWA will only be a fist fighting against guns,” said Miranda.

Alexandra Nicole C. Cañete, Class 2021 valedictorian, congratulated her batch in her speech. “Even if we part ways, let us remain united in realizing the true purpose of our UP education- to give back to our communities and tirelessly serve the people.”

Both also extended their gratitude towards the parents, guardians, teachers, and benefactors for supporting them throughout their high school journey and molded them to become the best versions of themselves.

Class 2020’s graduation song “What I Want to Remember,” composed by Chine Britney F. Malaque, Allysa Marie A. Antipala, and Leonabelle Batobalonos, and Class 2021’s song “For The Best People I’ve Met,” composed by Cañete concluded the graduates’ six-year high school journey.

Promotion Rites

A day earlier, UP Cebu Chancellor Liza D. Corro officially confirmed the promotion to Grade 11 of 76 completers from Class 2020 and Class 2021.

“Despite being overdue, this ceremony is a great manifestation of the hard work, sweat, and tears we have invested in our education,” Rafaela Zyun R. Canonigo, Class 2020 First Honors, said in her words of commitment.

Ma. Cassandra G. Aballe, Class 2021 First Honors, in her words of commitment, remembered what she learned from her discussion group, “Passion is inadequate to pursue something. Your passion should continue burning but in order to make it last and keep you on track, you must stay committed.”

Recognition Ceremonies

Held in the morning of the same day was the virtual Recognition Ceremonies. Honorees and awardees of AY 2019-2020 and AY 2020-2021 were given recognition for their exemplary performance in their studies and for their accomplishments in interschool competitions.

In response, the honorees paid tribute to their parents, guardians, teachers, and benefactors for their guidance and unwavering support.

Marvie Kyle Carlos and Shaira Tiu Satinitigan | UP Tambuli

With the shift to emergency remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UP High School Cebu Class 1988 and Class 1991 donated tablets to fourteen students to help them cope with the demands of online learning.

Class ‘88, through their Kaabag sa Pagtungha program, enabled the school to acquire 8 Huawei tablets.

Atty. Ian Manticajon, Class ‘91 representative, turned over six Cherry Mobile tablets. The donation was made possible through the UP High ’91 Initiatives program.

Five students from Grade 7, three from Grade 8, four from Grade 9, and one each from Grades 10 and 11 received the tablets. They were chosen based on a survey conducted by the school to determine who had the most need for gadget assistance.

The tablets were delivered to their respective households by the UP High School Cebu Gadget Committee composed of Mr. Sean Policarpio, Ms. Genevieve Pantollano, Mr. Niño Ybañez, Mr. Kenneth Gallardo, Prof. Jeraline Gumalal, and Dr. Aurelio Vilbar.

Shaira Tiu Satinitigan | UP Tambuli