Maranao speaker at UP Diliman graduation rites to include Marawi crisis in valedictory speech

Arman Ali Ghodsinia, who will graduate summa cum laude from the College of Science, has been selected to deliver the valedictory speech at UP Diliman's 106th graduation rites on Sunday.

He traces his roots to Marawi City.

In an interview with Unang Balita on Tuesday, Arman said the Marawi crisis is among the things he will talk about in his speech.

"Dahil may personal connection ako sa kaguluhan sa Mindanao, mas bibigyang diin ko ang mga pangyayari duon," Arman said.

He says he hasn't been to Marawi in a long time because "laging sinasabi magulo duon. But I can't help but feel empathy for them."

"It's such a sad situation. It's the Holy Month of Ramadan, nagfa-fast ang mga muslim. Kung ako nga dito, hirap na hirap na, paano pa kaya sila," he continued.

Arman will graduate with a degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. He has obtained a General Weight Average of 1.176.

He is among  13 summa cum laude candidates who "auditioned" for the chance to deliver a valedictory speech.—LA/KVD, GMA News