81st Commencement Exercises👨🏻‍🎓👩🏻‍🎓

It was my privilege to speak before the Cagayanons during the University of Science and Technilogy of Southern Philippines Commencement Exercises.

During my talk, I emphasized the important role of parents in realizing their children’s dreams. We wouldn’t have graduates without the hardwork and dedication of our parents.

Took the opportunity to give tribute to Dr. Ricardo Rotoras, the university’s president who was gunned down last year. I have worked with Dr. Rotoras since my days in the House of Representatives, we fought for higher subsidy for State Universities and Colleges. We likewise worked together while the Free Higher Education Act was being drafted. Really sad with what has happened to Dr. Rotoras, whose passion to serve the youth is commendable.

We should also give credit to the sacrifices of the school faculty and staff who chose to stay in Cagayan de Oro City to hone future leaders of our country despite the higher compensation and benefits offered to them abroad.

I also shared with the Cagayanon graduates my humble beginnings and unwavering efforts to uplift the lives of Filipinos.

Part of these are the measures I sponsored in the Senate like the inclusion of Anti-Political Dynasty provision in the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law and the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

Naniniwala po ako na Edukasyon ang susi upang makamit natin ang ginhawang inaasam para sa ating pamilya at bayan.

Congratulations to our graduates, our future 
Leaders!

Mabuhay ang Kabataang Cagayanon! Kayo ay Maasahan!