UP Diliman’s 2023 summa cum laude graduates more than doubled from 2022

A total of 305 summa cum laude students are set to graduate from UP Diliman on Sunday, July 30, more than double the number of those with the same distinction in 2022.

Taking place at the UP Amphitheater, the graduation ceremony will revolve around the theme "Tayog," which symbolizes the bright and promising future awaiting the UP Diliman Class of 2023. It also encapsulates how they will continue to turn toward the institution's principles of honor, excellence, courage, and compassion for the nation, much like the iconic sunflowers that are a regular part of the university's graduation season.

According to the University of the Philippines, 2,243 out of 4,478 will be graduating with honors this year: 742 cum laude, 1,196 magna cum laude, and 305 summa cum laude, noting that the latter is "more than double last year's 150 summa cum laude graduates."

The summa cum laude honors category is UP's highest distinction for students who obtained a graded weighted average of 1.20 in the academic year. A 1.45 weighted average is for magna cum laude, while 1.75 is for cum laude. 

This year's batch valedictorian is Jessie "Jeman" S. Malibiran, Jr. under Bachelor of Arts—Master of Arts Honors in Political Science. Malibiran had a general weighted average of 1.187. 

UP President Angelo Jimenez will serve as this year's commencement speaker.