UP summa cum laude speaks of hometown Marawi in graduation speech

While graduation speeches are expected to glimmer with hope, Arman Ali Ghodsinia chose to underscore the struggles of the Maranao people affected by the ongoing crisis in his hometown of Marawi City.

Ghodsinia, who graduated summa cum laude in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of the Philippines' College of Science, gave the valedictory speech during the state university's graduation rites in Diliman, Quezon City on Sunday.

In his speech on behalf of UP Diliman's class of 2017, Ghodsinia said that it is hard to commemorate Eid'l Fitr in a festive mood, knowing that thousands of Marawi residents have been displaced by the deadly conflict in the Lanao del Sur capital.

"The lives of our fellow Filipinos, both Muslims and Christians, have been at risk due to the aggression of certain groups. Ramadan just took place and yet many of our brothers and sisters have been forced to run for their lives," he said.

"Mahirap talaga mag-graduate at mag-celebrate ng Ramadan na alam mo marami kang kababayan na naghihirap," he added, noting that he also has relatives displaced by the conflict.

Ghodsinia, who obtained a weighted general average of 1.176, was selected to give the speech from among 13 summa cum laude graduates who auditioned for the task.

Arman Ali Ghodsinia speaks to the media during graduation rites at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City on June 25, 2017. Photo: Joseph Tristan Roxas

Almost 70,000 families have been displaced by the ongoing clashes in Marawi City between government forces and the ISIS-inspired Maute group.

The military also confirmed that 26 civilians have been killed in the conflict.

Ghodsinia's mother, Mariam, echoed her son's sentiments, saying that this Eid'l Fitr is a sorrowful one due to the Marawi crisis.

"Kasiyahan 'yun pero marami sa amin hindi naman masaya dahil nakikita namin yung mga kasamahan naming ganoon ang nangyayari," she said in an interview.

Mariam added she also reminds her son that the Maute group does not represent Islam. "Hindi naman masama ang mga Muslim talaga. May isang grupo lang talaga e, sinisira nila yung mga Muslim," she said.

Calls for unity

The younger Ghodsinia urged his fellow Filipinos to unite regardless of religion and ethnic roots.

"We, members of the Filipino minority, are your brothers and sisters, and [on] an equal platform based on mutual respect, we can all work together towards a stronger and more united Philippines," he said.

Ghodsinia said all Filipinos, including those who belong to minority groups, have a chance to excel in academics given the right opportunity.

"Here I am standing in front of you today, as living proof that members of minorities like us Maranaos can also do well and contribute effectively to societal growth [when] given the same opportunities in life like many other Filipinos," Ghodsinia said.

"Here I am speaking to you as proof that regardless of religion, socio-economic status or ethnic ties, anyone can excel if equal opportunities are made available to all," he added.

Giving back

Ghodsinia said being an alumnus of UP entails the responsibility of giving back to the country.

"Kaming mga Iskolar ng Bayan na nagsipagtapos ngayon, biniyayaan kami ng kalidad na edukasyon. May responsibilidad kami na ibalik ito sa Pilipinas lalo sa mahihirap," he said.

Ghodsinia noted that he plans to study abroad and finish his internship in Taiwan before returning to the country to work as a research associate.

His ultimate goal is establish his own laboratory, become his own boss and employ his fellow Filipino scientists.

"Plano ko po mag-aral sa ibang bansa muna pero balak ko rin po talaga bumalik dito. Balak ko maging sarili kong boss, kumbaga gusto ko magkaroon ng sarili kong lab. Gusto ko mas mabigyan ng oportunidad yung mga kagaya ko," he said. — BM/KVD, GMA News