08/07/2026
Congrats, Coco Martin! Pogi!
Johnaxxel Mark Bonjoc Graduates at the Top of UPV SOTECH Class of 2026
Johnaxxel Mark T. Bonjoc, a student of Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, was named the top student of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) School of Technology (SoTech) Class of 2026. He achieved a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 1.3257, earning him the distinction of magna cm laude.
โBeing a top student in my college stands as the proof of all my hard work and sacrifices I have dedicated to my studies. It is the greatest validation to myself that every time I give my best, it actually means something,โ said Bonjoc.
Motivated by a deep desire to provide a better life for his family, he said, โI have always viewed education as key to having a better and more stable life, and that drive to uplift my family keeps me focused when things get difficult.โ
โBefore entering UP, I always thought that college life would be stressful, demanding, and overwhelming, that you had to be on guard all the time if you wanted to finish,โ said Bonjoc. To him, this mindset may would only lead to negative memories of his college years. This realization made him to start enjoying his college life, โgoing to galas with friends, joining organizations, or playing sports even without prior experience.โ Quoting his favorite song, โThis life is amazing when you greet it with open arms", Bonjoc said he opened his arms and heart to the UP experience, which ultimately allowed him to fully enjoy his college life.
As Bonjoc developed a healthier and more balanced outlook on life, he reflected on a mindset he once held: โEvery single study session should be perfectly scheduled and produce perfect results. However, throughout my stay in UP, I learned that not every day has to be a perfect, highly productive day. It is completely fine to rest or have fun when you do not feel like studying. The important thing is that you never stop. Even if you only manage to study or do activities for a few minutes today, what matters is that you try again tomorrow.โ
Earning this degree strengthened his desire to contribute to society and create a positive change through this profession. โBecause excellence comes with responsibility, I believe that my degree should not only be used for my personal advantage, but also for community progress. I intend to use the knowledge and technical skills I have learned and gained to help our economy and contribute to the sectors that need them most. With my chemical engineering degree, I can advance local environmental sustainability, ensure public health and food safety, or advocate for cleaner energy,โ Bonjoc added.
Bonjoc said his experience at UP, the university molded him โnot just into an academically excellent student, but also into a socially aware individual who understands the weight and responsibility of being a UP student.โ He chose UP because of its commitment to quality education anchored in the core values of honor, excellence, and service to the nation.
When asked about his plans after graduation, Bonjoc answered, โMy immediate plan after graduation is to lock in and review for the upcoming Chemical Engineering board exam. โ
Written by Mary Arvic Dolendo, IPO