Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete urged academic achievers of West Visayas State University (WVSU) to use their excellence in the service of the country and the Filipino people.
Nafarrete delivered the message during the recognition ceremony for the WVSU Class of 2026 academic achievers at the university’s main campus in La Paz, Iloilo City.
Speaking before the honorees, the Army chief praised the students for choosing excellence over mediocrity and encouraged them to carry the same discipline, commitment, and sense of purpose as they move forward in their respective fields.
“Where others settled for mediocrity, you strove for excellence. When others were okay being average, you aspired to be at the top,” Nafarrete said.
He reminded the graduates that leadership is not measured only by rank, title, or achievement, but by how one uplifts and develops the people around them.
Nafarrete said the strength of any institution, whether in the military, business, government, or global enterprise, lies not in equipment, technology, or infrastructure, but in the people who serve and sacrifice for its mission.
“True leadership means investing deeply in human capital development,” he said.
“As you step into the world, remember that you cannot build a nation or drive global progress without first building up the people next to you. Safeguarding peace and prosperity begins by taking care of humanity,” he added.
The Army chief also warned the awardees against propaganda, deception, and attempts to mislead young people away from lawful and constructive civic engagement.
He urged them to use the critical thinking and open dialogue they learned at WVSU to defend their values while remaining within the bounds of the law.
“Never fall victim to those with dark intentions who aim to lead you astray through propaganda and deception,” Nafarrete said.
Nafarrete, an alumnus of the WVSU Laboratory High School Batch 1986, later entered the Philippine Military Academy and rose through key leadership positions in the Army.
He was appointed the 67th Commanding General of the Philippine Army in July 2025.
Throughout his military career, Nafarrete has emphasized the welfare and development of soldiers, whom he described as the Army’s “greatest asset.”