SABLAY AND STRUGGLE: UP Visayas Graduates Carry People’s Fight Forward

By Juliane Judilla

The bright yellow Baybayin acronym “UP” stands in striking contrast to the deep maroon and green of the sablay, the academic regalia of the University of the Philippines.

The sablay’s colors represent the university’s official palette – maroon and green – while gold and yellow symbolize wisdom and excellence.

To many students and alumni, the sablay is more than just attire – it is a symbol of grit and perseverance earned through the university’s rigorous academic journey.

On July 8, the University of the Philippines Visayas held its 46th Commencement Exercises at the UPV Covered Court in Miagao, Iloilo.

This year’s graduating class, Batch Himakas, proudly wore their sablays as symbols of both personal struggle and academic triumph.

What the Sablay Represents

Beyond the Baybayin script, a key feature of the sablay is its method of creation.

According to UP Diliman Professor Evangeline Amor, the sablay must be woven—not embroidered—as a tribute to Philippine cultural traditions and the craftsmanship it entails, much like the pursuit of a UP degree.

The sablay features the ukkil design, a curvilinear motif representing life, and chevron and diamond patterns symbolizing the Philippines’ rice culture.

These motifs flow rhythmically, reflecting the unity of culture and nature.

UP honors not only its academic tradition but also the communities it serves.

For two consecutive years, UP Visayas has chosen grassroots leaders – rather than high-profile alumni – as keynote speakers.

In 2023, it was 2021 Ramon Magsaysay awardee and fisherfolk leader Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon.

This year, fisheries and indigenous leaders Reynilda Partida and Fredil Muid delivered the keynote speeches.

Partida is the president and founder of the Samahan ng Mangingisdang Matatag at Responsable sa Tarong (SMMART) and chairs the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council in Carles, Iloilo.

She advocates for sustainable fisheries and marine conservation in northern Iloilo’s municipal waters.

Muid is a Tagbanua Calamian leader from Busuanga, Palawan and vice chairperson of the Indigenous Peoples Organization Nurunutan yang Tagbanua tung Calawit may Quezon.

He plays a critical role in managing and protecting about 50,535 hectares of ancestral waters.

“What we need are conviction, heart, and compassion,” Partida said, noting that influence means little without genuine intent to serve.

Their speeches aligned with the #AtonAngKinse campaign, which supports small-scale fisherfolk and seeks to reclaim the 15-kilometer municipal fishing zones.

This comes in light of the Supreme Court’s controversial ruling allowing commercial fishing within these areas.

The inclusion of these leaders reflects UP’s commitment to community, equity, and service.

More than just a tradition, the sablay becomes a symbol of hope, resistance, and belonging.

Tuloy ang Laban, Iskolar ng Bayan!

Kristina V. Celiz, a summa cum laude graduate of the BS Computer Science program, delivered a rousing address echoing the graduation theme: “Aton ang kinse.”

“‘Aton ang kinse’ is not just our theme, but a call to reclaim spaces for those pushed to the margins,” she said.

“The fight does not end here,” Celiz added.

“As Iskolar ng Bayan, we carry the honor of receiving free education and the responsibility that comes with it.”

The annual lightning rally, a hallmark of UP tradition, called on Batch Himakas to remain committed to service.

“The struggle goes on,” said Anton Matthew Quilantang, chairperson of the UPV University Student Council.

He emphasized the continuing fight for student spaces, increased education budgets, and support for marginalized sectors such as fisherfolk, farmers, and tricycle drivers.

Graduates, Quilantang said, carry more than diplomas – they carry a mission.

As they pass through UP’s golden gates, they leave not just with pride, but with a promise: to serve the people.