University of Hawaii fetes Fil-Am graduates

A total of 78 graduates registered for FilGrad, representing 11 colleges and schools, including 10 doctoral and six master’s students. (Photo Constancio Paranal).

Filipino Graduation or “FilGrad,” a celebration of the academic achievements of Filipino students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa was held at Kennedy Theatre on May 13.

A total of 78 graduates registered for FilGrad, representing 11 colleges and schools, including 10 doctoral and six master’s students.

It was the first in-person FilGrad since 2019 due to the pandemic (2020 event canceled, 2021 event held virtually). Two Filipino student organizations at UH Mānoa—Katipunan and Timpuyog—led the event, with help from the Center for Philippine Studies. Filipino students any any individual who identifies as Filipino and embraces Filipinx culture were welcome to participate.

Pia Arboleda, director of the Center for Philippine Studies, reminded the students that their individual successes benefit the entire community.

“Pay tribute to your grandparents and parents by bowing and kissing their hands. When you kiss their hands, genuinely look at the veins, scars and calluses for they represent the hard work and sacrifice it has taken to get you to where you are today,” Arboleda said.

The theme of this year’s event was “Sirmata at Hiraya: Celebrating the Vision of Filipinxcellence,” to honor the Filipino visionaries of the past and celebrate the Filipino leaders of today and tomorrow. (Photo: Vina Cristobal )

The theme of this year’s event was “Sirmata at Hiraya: Celebrating the Vision of Filipinxcellence,” to honor the Filipino visionaries of the past and celebrate the Filipino leaders of today and tomorrow.

Sergio Alcubilla III, an alumnus of the William S. Richardson School of Law who is running for a congressional seat representing Hawaiʻi in district 1, was the main speaker. He was chosen for championing causes important to Filipinos and underrepresented minorities in Hawaiʻi.

Constancio Paranal III, juris doctor candidate, and Eunice Bala, bachelor of science in biology and bachelor of arts in Philippine language and culture candidate, were selected as student speakers for their outstanding scholarship, exemplary contributions to the community, and their ability “to communicate and inspire hope in these challenging times.”

FilGrad was created five years ago, when graduating Filipino students collaborated with UHMānoa’s College of Education–Tinalak Filipino Advisory Council to host the first FilGrad in spring 2017 in the Art Auditorium. Twenty-four Filipino graduates were celebrated.

The project was also initiated to address the low graduation rates of Filipino students at UH Mānoa. From 2010 to 2021, the four-year graduation rates for first-time freshmen increased from 13.8% to 42.1% for Filipino students.

This event is an example of UH Mānoa’s goal of Enhancing Student Success (PDF), one of four goals identified in the 2015–25 Strategic Plan (PDF), updated in December 2020.