The University of the Philippines Mindanao administration issued certificates of recognition to students who achieved honorific academic standing in the past three semesters. The ceremony was held on February 12, 2024, the first day of the 2nd Semester of Academic Year 2023-2024. The University Registrar, Professor Karen Joyce Cayamanda, declared it the first face-to-face recognition ceremony after the pandemic period.

Students who earned a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 1.4501-1.7500 are named College Scholars (CS), sometimes called Dean Listers. Students who earn a GWA of 1.00-1.4500 are University Scholars (US), sometimes referred to as the Chancellor's List. 

BS Architecture students are awarded certificates of proficiency after completing certain courses (subjects). The Certificate in Basic Certificate of Proficiency on Basic Computer-Aided Modelling, Rendering, and Animation is awarded after completion of the Architecture 107 course. the Certificate of Basic Computer-Aided Drafting and Design is awarded after completion of Arch 106. The Certificate of Building Technology is awarded after completion of all the professional, allied, and cognate courses offered in the first six semesters of the curriculum.

The number of awardees for the period is summarized in the following table. 

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 Instructor Meluzvia Amora of the Dept. of Food Science and Chemistry (center) receives tokens of appreciation from Chancellor Murao and VC Estana after her message   

Good morning to all guests, parents, faculty, staff, our dear student awardees, and all of our beloved returning university students.

Welcome back! Another semestre na naman. For some of you, returning to UP Mindanao may feel like coming home – a familiar place where you've grown, learned, and forged connections for the previous semesters. For many, this could be the start of something new, maybe another challenging journey, (kasi alam kong may iba sa atin na kinakabahan na kahit kakasimula pa lang ng semestre) yet we cannot disregard that this semester can be full of endless possibilities and untapped potential for all of us.

Exactly a year ago, I was still in your shoes like your graduating Ates and Kuyas, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of unfinished thesis experiments, endless papers, essays, presentations, projects, and examinations. Unsure if I can graduate, given the uncertainties I've faced and that anxiety-inducing fear of failure. Failure to keep up with other people’s expectations and most importantly, falling short of my own goals. During my undergrad, I’ve always wondered why most people, including myself, are so afraid of failure when it so often leads to success.

That fear of failure is because before I entered UP, rather than personal growth, it felt as if it was more important to improve myself on what I could bring to the table. When everyone around you tells you that you’re good or you’re talented, you begin to worry that you might lose yourself. That’s why, even until my early years in UP, I’m gonna be honest, there were times I couldn’t accept some sincere, constructive criticism from others, and that’s why my personal growth happened pretty slowly.

Yet UP, more like my mentors and peers that I’ve met in the university, humbled me that I am not the best, but learning from my failures and not letting these failures define me, I can be one of the best. Just like you, you can also be one of the best, mga Iskolar ng Bayan. Ano pa bang silbi ng pagsala sa inyo mula sa sangkaterbang ibang mag-aaral para makapag-aral sa UP? Matuto’t malinang ng mga “one of the best” na mga guro’t mananaliksik sa unibersidad? That is why, while you are still here in the university, make the most out of it. Ask questions! Ask for help when you need it. Seeking help is not indicative of your weakness; rather, it demonstrates your strength and humility by acknowledging gaps in your knowledge and opening opportunities for your learning.

Like I’ve said earlier, yes, you can have a higher possibility of becoming one of the best, especially to our student awardees present today, however, always remember that your honor will always be in large part a result of not just your effort but also of fortunate consequences, and other people’s help. You can’t take all the credit. Because partly, baka nakakalimutan niyo, we also owe it to the Filipino taxpayers, who subsidize our education expenses, to fulfill our tasks as scholars of the nation to the best of our abilities and with integrity.

Yet, sometimes your best isn't good enough. You get a bad grade in that specific course? That doesn't mean you're dumb, it just means you haven’t found the learning technique that works for you and for the course. No one's born being good at all things, you become good at things by letting your failure show you what to do differently the next time and fine-tuning what works for you and your aspirations.

Sa ating iisang mundong ginagalawan, alam kong bawat isa sa inyo may iba’t ibang pangarap. Whether you aspire to be a doctor, a teacher, an inventor, an artist, a professional athlete, a leader, or an effective and responsible citizen, training or education is the cornerstone of our journey. It equips us with the tools needed to tackle the world's most pressing issues—from curing diseases and achieving food security to combating poverty and injustice through influence and wit.

But let me be clear: success doesn't come easy. I’m not thrilled with countless sleepless nights, hours of overthinking, and cups of coffee, but, it comes with self-sacrifice here and there. In UP, I realized that honor does not always equate to hard work and excellence is futile without discipline. Kasi ika nga, “excellence is a journey and discipline is the vehicle.” It requires dedication, perseverance, and learning from your failures is not enough, one must be willing to learn from them.

To our student awardees, Congratulations! May you continue to set your goals high and commit to them. Whether acing your homework, participating in extracurricular activities, being responsive in your chosen organization, or standing up for what's right, every effort counts. And when the road gets tough, don't give up, seek advice from your trusted mentors, and believe in your ability to overcome.

And to our every beloved student navigating the complexities of academia and self-discovery: remember that amidst the chaos, your greatest ally is within. Kasi palapit na rin ang Valentine’s Day, embrace the journey of self-love as a fundamental part of your education. Just as you diligently study your readings in your respective courses and engage in lively discussions, invest time in understanding and celebrating who you are.

In the hustle and bustle of college life, it's easy to prioritize external achievements over internal well-being. But true success also stems from a foundation of self-love and self-respect. Embrace your strengths and honor your weaknesses, for they are what make you uniquely you.

You hold the key to your future, Iskolar ng Bayan, and with it, the future of our nation. As I look out at each of you today, I see limitless potential. Potential to innovate, to lead, to inspire. Make good use of your God-given gifts and make us all proud. Alright?

 Slay, serve, and, not only survive but thrive! Pagbati sa inyong lahat at maraming salamat po.