MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo urged graduates of her law school alma mater to lend their knowledge and skills to serve Filipinos and fight challenges despite uncertain times lurking ahead.
During her speech at the 74the University Recognition Ceremony of the University of Nueva Caceres held in Naga City on Tuesday, Robredo reminded graduates of the reality that they are living in, as the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting different facets of life including education.
Along with that, Robredo also mentioned the rampant disinformation and historical revisionism taking place — which she said should prompt graduates of the said school to do what is right.
“We live in extraordinary times full of extraordinary challenges […] it feels like everywhere else we look, other challenges abound: We see our institutions weakening. We see disinformation, historical revisionism on overdrive. We see inequality widening, gaps in our basic needs remaining unfulfilled, the strain in the social fabric stretching even more tautly, putting so many on edge,” she said.
“Pero kaakibat ng (But included in this) formation na ito ang isang tungkulin (is a responsibility): To use all you have learned for what is good and true and right. To lend your skills, your knowledge, and your expertise in service of others. To uplift the lives of those most in need. This is what our school motto, in its fullest sense, teaches us: That we are part of something bigger than ourselves,” she added.
Robredo, who spoke mostly in the local language, believes that the school has equipped graduates with the proud Bicolano tradition and trait of resilience not only during times of crisis but also the guts to go against the strongest opponents.
“UNC has provided you with the training and values to rise to these challenges head-on. As the first university in the Bicol region, ours is a proud tradition that reflects the best in the Bicolano: Resilience, the ability to think quickly on your feet even in the face of crises, the courage to stand up even against the most formidable foes,” she said.
The Vice President has been in Bicol for some time now, visiting her hometown Naga for the Naga Day and the proclamation of winners in the local elections. Robredo, who got her law degree at the University of Nueva Caceres, also had different engagements in other parts of Camarines Sur.
Robredo told graduates that they are proud of what they have achieved despite the hardships brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, she also asked the graduates to recall all the hardships they faced — and use it as motivation to get things done when they seem lost.
“[…] I ask you also to never forget the struggles that paved your path to today. I ask you to remember that test you did not ace, that recitation you fumbled, that assignment you were unable to submit on time. I ask you to remember how it felt to log into your Zoom accounts, alone in the cold light of your screens, to say present and continue doing your schoolwork even as the world outside felt like it was ending,” the Vice President said.
And when graduates feel lost, Robredo reminded them to look back on what the said university has taught them — including her — which is to fight for the good even when it is hard.
“When you leave UNC, you will realize, as I did, that living your life and making meaningful change for others is not the easiest of tasks. Fighting for a better, kinder, more humane society is hard […] May mga panahong mararamdaman mo na parang nawawalan ka na ng pag-asa, kahit ang totoo, nagsisimula pa lang ang iyong laban, at marami pang mga oportunidad ang naghihintay para sa iyo,” she said.
(There are times when you feel that you are losing hope, but the truth is you are just starting your fight, and more opportunities await you.)
“And for as long as you hold on to the things you learned here, for as long as you stay true to the values that our university has taught you, you will remain a force for good, not just in your own fields and in your own communities, but in Bicol, in our country, and even in the world,” she added.
READ: Robredo to 2022 Pisay graduates: Serve the people