The Filipino Youth needs to hear this speech by VP Leni Robredo | Thames International

Summary

This commencement speech celebrates the hard work and perseverance of the graduating class of 2020. The speaker encourages graduates to recognize the value in every small action, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals in society. Drawing from a story of a former agriculture student who founded a non-profit to support farmers during the pandemic, the speaker inspires graduates to contribute to the greater good. The message highlights the importance of unity, compassion, and leadership in shaping a better future. It concludes with a call to action for graduates to pave the way for positive change.

Takeaways

• 😀 Celebrate achievements regardless of circumstances: Graduation is a culmination of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance, and it should be celebrated despite the challenges faced.
• 😀 Education and nation-building are a process: Just as history is shaped by both big events and small, consistent actions, so is personal and national progress.
• 😀 Every small action counts: Helping others, being kind, and acting with integrity are all important contributions to a better future.
• 😀 Uplifting others uplifts the community: By supporting those who have less, we collectively elevate the entire community and create long-term positive change.
• 😀 Personal stories inspire action: The story of Anjanet Tadena and her efforts to help farmers illustrates the power of starting small and expanding efforts to create lasting impact.
• 😀 Even small efforts make a big difference: Whether it's PPE for doctors or a food pack for a family, every act of support helps keep communities safe and stable during crises.
• 😀 The importance of interconnectedness: Everything is linked — from the health crisis to the economy and social well-being. Solutions must be holistic and inclusive of all parts of society.
• 😀 Don't divide the world into binaries: Life is rarely black and white, and it's important to recognize the complexities and interconnections between different issues.
• 😀 Leadership is about unity: A leader's role is to bring people together, focusing on a common goal and fostering cooperation rather than division.
• 😀 The future is in your hands: Graduates have the potential to create a better world by contributing to their communities, innovating, and working towards collective goals.

Q & A

What is the central message of the speaker's address to the graduating class of 2020?

The central message is about celebrating achievements despite challenging circumstances, emphasizing resilience, interconnectedness, and the importance of small contributions in making a larger impact on society.

How does the speaker encourage graduates to approach their celebration despite the pandemic?

The speaker encourages graduates to celebrate their achievements regardless of the circumstances, acknowledging that while the celebration may look different due to the pandemic, the significance of the graduation remains unchanged.

What lesson does the speaker draw from the process of education and nation-building?

The speaker highlights that both education and nation-building are long-term processes, and the contributions made by individuals, no matter how small, play a significant role in creating a better future for the community and nation.

What is the story shared by the speaker about Anjanet Tadena, and what lesson does it impart?

The speaker shares the story of Anjanet Tadena, an agriculture graduate who started a non-profit called Bayanihan to help farmers during the pandemic. Her story illustrates how small, community-driven initiatives can grow into larger efforts that make a meaningful impact on society.

How does the speaker define the concept of interconnectedness in the context of the pandemic?

The speaker defines interconnectedness as the realization that all actions have ripple effects. For example, a single person's illness can impact an entire community, and the pandemic highlights how individual actions can affect the larger societal and economic systems.

What advice does the speaker give regarding leadership and unity in difficult times?

The speaker advises that leaders should focus on uniting people around a common goal rather than dividing them into opposing camps. Leaders should guide everyone towards a shared horizon and work together for the greater good.

Why does the speaker emphasize that challenges are not binary and should not be divided into two opposing sides?

The speaker emphasizes this to caution against oversimplified thinking. Complex issues, such as the pandemic or societal problems, are interconnected and should not be viewed in binary terms, as this ignores the nuanced reality and contributions of all parties.

What role does the speaker believe the graduates can play in the future of the nation?

The speaker believes the graduates have the potential to help build a better future by leading with empathy, social responsibility, and innovation. Their contributions can collectively transform society by addressing challenges and supporting those in need.

How does the speaker link the idea of personal responsibility to broader societal progress?

The speaker links personal responsibility to societal progress by showing how individual actions—like giving food, offering jobs, or supporting healthcare workers—can have a ripple effect that helps improve the community, economy, and ultimately the nation.

What final words does the speaker offer to the graduates as they embark on their future endeavors?

The speaker concludes by wishing the graduates success not only for themselves but for the positive impact they will have on others. They are encouraged to pave the way for a better normal, contributing to the nation’s well-being and humanity as a whole.