@up.edu.ph: “We live in two worlds: the online and the offline.” Class valedictorian Kia Obang (Chancellor’s List, Master of Development Communication) addressed the Class of 2025 at the 23rd University of the Philippines Open University commencement ceremonies. Speaking on the “dual reality” of the digital age, she described the internet as a space where civic participation and meaningful dialogue are possible, but also where “hate speech persists, false narratives thrive, and propaganda is weaponized.” Obang challenged her fellow graduates to use their digital skills “to confront issues that shape the world beyond our screens,” from human rights violations to climate degradation and disinformation. Real influence, she said, is not measured by virality, but found “in the quiet decisions we make, in the small acts of courage we choose daily.” UPOU conferred degrees and titles on 735 graduates across associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, including academic honor awardees from diverse fields. This year’s ceremony was held for the first time at the UPOU International Convention Center, the university’s newly opened venue designed as a hub for global conferences on open and distance e-learning. Produced by the UP System Media and Communication Office. #SumablaySaUP #Pagtatapos2025 #UPOU #IskolarNgBayan

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Friday 09 January 2026 03:48:13 GMT