(CNN Philippines) — A Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics degree holder made history at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) by being the first ever summa cum laude of UPV system.
Raoul Danniel A. Manuel scored a general weighted average (GWA) of 1.099, the highest among the graduating class of 2015.
Aside from this distinction, Manuel was also a class valedictorian of UP High School in Iloilo (Class of 2011) and class valedictorian of the Integrated School for Exceptional Children (SPED) in Iloilo City in 2007.
“It is a very humbling experience. I know that I could have not made it without the support of my family, friends, classmates, teachers and fellow members of student organizations that I have joined. To be an achiever in UP is really difficult if one is alone so I am blessed to have people who have always been supportive of me even in my college life.” Manuel said.
He was also the chairperson of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Student Council (AY 2014-2015), and was often seen on the front line of student rallies.
“As an Iskolar ng Bayan I had to open my eyes to the realities around me and look for ways to become active in the affairs inside and outside of the University. My UP education instilled in me a desire to use my potentials to advance genuine social change,” he said.
Manuel also received numerous awards and distinctions. He was a recipient of the highly competitive and prestigious UP Presidential Scholarship from 2012 up to the time he graduated.
UPV will have its commencement exercises next week since it shifted the start of the academic calendar to August.
