Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Thursday urged new college graduates to use their education, skills, and platforms to serve the country, speak out against injustice, and help confront disinformation.
Speaking at the commencement exercises of National University-Baliwag on July 2, Pangilinan congratulated the graduates for earning their degrees but challenged them to take an active role in nation-building.
“Sa inyong mga magiging inhinyero, negosyante, developer, counselor, lingkod-bayan: alalahanin ninyo na ang tunay na lakas ng inyong henerasyon ay nasa pagkakaisa,” Pangilinan said.
“Kaya magtulungan. Gamitin ang inyong mga plataporma para sa pagpapalaganap ng mga kuwento ng katapangan, ng kabutihan, at ng katapatan. Kapag may nakitang inhustisya, magsalita. At kapag may nakitang sinasaktan, huwag lang maawa, kumilos,” he added.
Pangilinan said graduates should apply what they learned to address pressing national problems, including the spread of false information in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Citing the graduation theme, “Sidlak: Shining Beyond Limits,” he said the youth have a crucial role in shaping culture, solving social problems, and driving innovation in business, technology, education, the arts, and government.
Pangilinan also pointed to his third-place finish in Baliwag in the 2025 senatorial elections as proof, he said, of what young people can achieve when they are united behind a clear purpose.
“Paalala ito na kapag nagkakaisa at malinaw ang layunin, kaya ninyo — kaya natin — maapektuhan ang pambansang pagbabago at ang pambansang pamumuno,” he said.
He closed his message by urging the graduates to remain hopeful and committed despite the country’s challenges.
“I challenge you, dear graduates, to shine brightest in this present darkness. At panatag ang loob ko na kahit gaano kadilim ang gabi, darating din ang bukang-liwayway. Darating din ang umaga. Walang bibitiw,” Pangilinan said.