Allizah Keziah M. Manulat, a writer for MindaNews, is the valedictorian of the University of the Philippines Mindanao’s class of 2026, achieving a remarkable general weighted average of 1.111.
Graduating with a BA in Communication and Media Arts, she is the second consecutive summa cum laude from this program.
A Commendable Academic Journey
Allizah’s academic excellence is complemented by her dedication to journalism and community issues.
Prof. Karen Joyce Cayamanda, UP Mindanao Registrar
- Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence
- Dean’s Special Award for Academic Excellence
- Best Thesis in Production Research
Her undergraduate thesis focused on child marriage, titled “Stories That Unfold: Developing a Child-Focused Pop-Up Book on Child Marriage in BARMM Through the Insights and Lived Experiences of Women-Friendly Space Facilitators.” This project seeks to educate minors using engaging, age-appropriate methods.
In addition to her academic accolades, Manulat is in the process of publishing her book, “Si Ina, Si Bituin, at Ako.” Manulat began her journey with MindaNews as an intern in 2025, and her content has resonated with younger audiences, enhancing the outlet’s reach.
She is recognized for her contributions to a fact-checking project that assessed the authenticity of viral images of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following a Metro Manila fire.
As the only summa cum laude this year, Manulat stands out in a graduating class of 273 students, which includes 159 from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, 92 from the College of Sciences and Mathematics, and 23 from the School of Management.
Throughout her studies, she balanced academics with extracurriculars, including leadership roles and sports, earning respect from various organizations at the university.