UP media grads told: Use your platform to serve the people

Tell truthful and courageous stories; be the voice for the voiceless in Philippine society.

These were the messages of University of the Philippines President Angelo Jimenez and guest speaker, Jose Marie “Vice Ganda” Viceral, to the UP Diliman College of Media and Communication Class of 2026, in recognition rites held July 5 at Cine Adarna.

Jimenez urged the graduates to carry UP’s ideals of honor, excellence, and service. He asked them to “return to the ground,” listen to the communities, then shape meaningful stories that can “move people toward understanding and action.”

Viceral, who is also a comedian, actor, and television host, spoke of the role of comedy and other media platforms in shedding light on societal issues, such as systemic corruption and injustice. Drawing from her experiences growing up in an impoverished community, she described how these struggles “started a spark” in her to speak up and stir conversation on “issues that are deliberately being obscured by those who manipulate the narrative.” Viceral then encouraged the graduates to “find their spark” and help build a nation “imbued with honor and excellence.”

The CMC Class of 2026 consisted of 181 graduates, 116 of whom earned Latin honors.