Cris Fernan Bayaga has been named the Highest Academic Achiever of the College of Communication, Art, and Design and one of the Gonfalon Bearers for the 87th Commencement Exercises of the University of the Philippines Cebu.
Making history as the first Summa Cum Laude graduate of the UP Cebu BA Communication program, Bayaga earned a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 1.19270.
In recognition of his outstanding academic performance, he will also receive the Ganti sa Bantugang Iskolar, CCAD’s academic distinction awarded to the graduating student who exemplifies exceptional scholastic achievement.
Bayaga is also known for leading the revival of Lanog in 2023, CCAD’s student publication and the first college-led student publication of UP Cebu, serving as its first editor-in-chief following the publication’s return.
Before the University’s 87th Commencement Exercises on July 14, CCAD will honor Bayaga and the rest of the graduating Class of 2026 during Pagbudyong 2026: Rito sa Pagtadlas ug Pasidungog on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 3:30 PM at the Oblation Square and Performing Arts Hall, UP Cebu.
The annual pre-commencement rite celebrates the academic achievements and creative journeys of CCAD graduates through the symbolic donning of the UP Sablay, the sounding of the Budyong, and the conferment of the Binitoon Medallion.