GRADUATES of the University of the Philippines are more prepared to handle crisis outside the school because they have been toughened by the pandemic, according to UP Diliman Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo.

“Kung may isang bagay ang hinubog ng pandemyang ito, ito ang kakayahan nating humarap sa mga krisis,” Nemenzo said.

“You must translate this experience into the agility, grit, and resilience that shall prepare you for the world beyond the university,” he told the graduates.

He added that students did not only face challenges brought by the pandemic but attacks on academic freedom.

“Hindi lang krisis ng pandemya ang kinakaharap nating pagsubok sa ngayon. Nandiyan din ang banta sa ating kalayaan bilang isang pamantasan, ang walang tigil na pananakot at pagsisiil sa ating academic freedom,” Nemenzo said.