UP Visayas challenges conventions with grassroots commencement speakers

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — For the third straight year, the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) has chosen a grassroots fisherfolk leader to deliver its commencement address. Instead of inviting a politician, business executive, or celebrity, the university continues a tradition that highlights community leaders.

UPV announced that Pablo “Ka Pabs” Rosales, national president of the fisherfolk alliance PANGISDA-Pilipinas (Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Mangingisda sa Pilipinas), will speak at its 47th Commencement Exercises on July 10.

The graduation rites will take place at the UPV Covered Court on its Miagao campus in Iloilo.

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Through his work in PANGISDA-Pilipinas, Rosales has become one of the country’s leading voices for small-scale fisherfolk. He has advocated for the protection of municipal waters, sustainable fisheries, food security, and the welfare of fishing communities.

Continuing an unconventional tradition

Rosales’ selection marks the third straight year that UPV has tapped a fisherfolk leader to address its graduating class.

The university began the practice in 2024. That year, it invited Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, a Ramon Magsaysay Award-winning fisherfolk leader from Zamboanga Sibugay, to deliver the commencement speech.

A year later, UPV chose Reynilda Partida, a progressive fisherfolk council chairperson from Carles, Iloilo, as keynote speaker for its 46th graduation rites.

The initiative departs from the long-standing practice of inviting politicians, government officials, business leaders, or other prominent personalities to speak at graduations.

Instead, UPV has turned to grassroots leaders whose work reflects service to communities and marginalized sectors.

A life shaped by struggle

In a video posted by the university, Rosales reflected on his own journey. He revealed that he only reached Grade 3 in formal schooling.

“Nakatungtong ako ng pintuan ng Grade 4 pero hindi na ako nagpatuloy. Grade 3 lang talaga ako,” he said.

(I attended Grade 4 but never finished it. I only completed Grade 3)

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Despite this, Rosales said he gained knowledge through life experiences and his involvement in social issues.

“Ang aking kaalaman ay nagmula na sa praktikal na kalagayan ng lipunan at ‘yung pakikisangkot mismo sa mga usaping panlipunan,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of collective action.

“Ang sektor ng mangingisda hindi magtatagumpay kung siya lang, kaya mahalaga sa kaniya ‘yung pakikipagtulungan sa iba’t ibang sektor ng ating lipunan,” he said.

Moreover, he highlighted the role of academic institutions in preserving and documenting the stories of communities.

“Malaki ang papel ng akademya kasi sila naman ‘yung may tala ng mga malalalim na kuwento ng buhay,” he added.

( The academe plays a big role because they document the relevant stories of life)

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A message for the graduates

For Rosales, older generations have a responsibility to pass on their beliefs and principles to the youth.

“Kaya ang papel naming mga dumaan na sa kasaysayan hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay epektibong humanap ng paraan para maisalin sa kanila ‘yung ganitong klase ng paniniwala at saka paninindigan,” he said.

He also expressed hope that his message would inspire the graduates to contribute to both their personal growth and the country’s development.

“Sana magsilbi ito sa pag-unlad nila at sa pag-unlad ng lipunan natin,” he said.

( I hope this will result in their personal development and the development of our general community)

UPV’s decision to once again put a grassroots leader at the center of its commencement rites reflects the university’s effort to honor voices beyond traditional centers of power. It also recognizes people whose lives have been shaped by service, struggle, and community leadership.

The 47th Commencement Exercises of UP Visayas will be held on July 10. Rosales’ speech will be streamed live on UP Visayas’ official Facebook page.

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