MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo urged on Monday the Filipino youth to think not only of themselves but to include service for others in their to-do list after graduation.
In her speech before Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa graduates, Robredo said the youth must share their knowledge, skills and talents in service of others to inspire less fortunate ones.
“In time, many among you will enter different professions. Some will be teachers, lawyers, policemen, accountants or writers…This is the start of a good life for you, a life which you can also offer to serve other people,” she said.
Robredo cited the story of a certain Aling Charing, whose selfless love for her five children pushed her to work hard and be committed to the goal of making all of them finish school.
“She was a single parent and was able to send her children to school by sweeping the streets. After they’ve graduated, she decided to study again while working. She finished high school at 50 and college at 54 and from being a street cleaner she was promoted to a new job in the City Assessor’s Office,” Robredo said.
She also cited the story of the determination of Ave, who served as a househelp to her teachers, to finish high school.
“Ave became a scholar in college while working as janitress. Because she worked as a court stenographer, she got interested in studying law, passed the Bar exams and became a good lawyer and is now a judge in the municipal trial court in Albay,” she said.
Recognizing the differences among the youth, Robredo encouraged the graduates to be determined to serve and offer help in any way they can. (Ma. Teresa Montemayor/PNA)
