Former vice president Leni Robredo's UP Cebu commencement speech

Summary

In her commencement address, former Vice President Leni Robredo addresses the graduates of 2023, acknowledging their resilience through the pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of solidarity, highlighting how collective effort, not individualism, is key to overcoming challenges. Drawing from her own experiences, she underscores that education not only equips students with technical skills but also with the moral clarity to see the world’s interconnected struggles. Robredo calls on the graduates to use their education and solidarity to pursue a better future for themselves and for the nation, concluding with heartfelt congratulations to the class.

Takeaways

• 😀 The graduates have triumphed over unprecedented challenges, including the global pandemic, which tested their resilience and adaptability.
• 😀 Solidarity is a central theme, emphasizing that no one achieves success alone and that we are all empowered by invisible support systems like family, friends, and teachers.
• 😀 The importance of collective action is highlighted, with solidarity seen as the only viable strategy for overcoming humanity's biggest challenges.
• 😀 Personal enrichment is not inherently wrong, but selfishness, when taken to extremes, can lead to global crises and environmental destruction.
• 😀 The education received at the University of the Philippines (UP) is not only about acquiring technical skills but also about gaining a deeper moral clarity and understanding of social issues.
• 😀 UP’s values encourage graduates to look beyond themselves, to ask bigger questions, and to consider the well-being of others in their actions.
• 😀 Robredo stresses that the education gained at UP provides both academic knowledge and a vision for a more just and compassionate society.
• 😀 Through collective action and solidarity, humanity can address the structural issues that perpetuate inequality, oppression, and environmental degradation.
• 😀 Graduates should carry forward the spirit of solidarity in their careers and beyond, aiming to achieve success while also helping to uplift others.
• 😀 The graduates' struggles and triumphs during their academic journey will serve as a foundation for their future achievements, driven by the support of others.
• 😀 Robredo concludes with a call to action for the graduates to not only succeed for themselves but to contribute to the common good and the collective progress of the nation.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Lenny Robredo's commencement speech?

The main theme of the speech is solidarity, emphasizing the importance of collective effort and interconnectedness in overcoming adversity and achieving progress.

How does Robredo describe the challenges faced by the graduating class?

Robredo acknowledges the unique challenges faced by the graduates, particularly the pandemic, which disrupted their learning and daily lives. She highlights their resilience and the support they received from others.

What role does solidarity play according to Robredo?

Solidarity, for Robredo, is a fundamental value that allows people to rise above personal struggles and collective challenges. It is presented as a moral and practical strategy for human survival, fostering mutual support and collective action.

How does Robredo connect her personal experiences to the graduates' journey?

Robredo shares her own experiences from her education at UP and her involvement in activism in 1986, where she learned the importance of collective action and solidarity. She draws parallels between her past and the graduates' journey of overcoming challenges together.

What does Robredo mean by 'the opposite of solidarity is selfishness'?

Robredo argues that selfishness, characterized by personal gain at the expense of others, is the root of many societal problems, including corruption and environmental degradation. Solidarity, on the other hand, promotes a collective and sustainable approach to addressing challenges.

How does Robredo define the role of education in shaping individuals' sense of solidarity?

Robredo believes that education, especially from institutions like UP, not only provides technical knowledge but also imparts a moral clarity that encourages individuals to see the world as interconnected and to work towards the common good.

What is the significance of the 'Scholar ng Bayan' chant mentioned by Robredo?

The 'Scholar ng Bayan' chant embodies the university's mission of serving the people. For Robredo, it represents a commitment to justice and the end of oppression, with solidarity at its core, rather than mere activism or symbolic protest.

What message does Robredo want the graduates to take with them after the ceremony?

Robredo hopes that the graduates carry forward the lessons of solidarity and collective action, applying these values to their careers and future endeavors, ensuring they contribute not just for personal success but for the well-being of society.

How does Robredo describe the impact of the pandemic on the graduates?

Robredo acknowledges the pandemic as a transformative experience for the graduates, forcing them to adapt quickly to new ways of learning and interacting. She praises their ability to navigate uncertainty and rise above personal and collective challenges.

What does Robredo hope for the future of the graduates as they enter the world beyond university?

Robredo expresses confidence in the graduates' ability to succeed, given their resilience and the challenges they've already overcome. She encourages them to continue working with solidarity and to apply the moral and technical skills they gained during their education to make a positive impact.