Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) 58th Commencement Exercises “Mga Makabagong Pantas Taglay ang Karunungan Tungo sa Kadakilaan at Kaunlaran”

Thank you very much.

To our Manila Mayor, Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso; [please take your seat] Manila Vice Mayor Angela “Chi” Ilagan Atienza-Valdepeñas; ang Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Chairman of the Board of Regents Attorney Ed Serapio; Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila University President and Chief Academic Officer Attorney Domingo Reyes Jr.; Members of the PLM Board of Regents, College Deans, University Officials, Faculty Members and Staff, Graduating Students and Proud Parents; other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

Today, I stand before you, humbled as the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila confers upon me the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa—its highest honorary degree.

I receive this honor with gratitude, mindful of the responsibility that comes with it.

This recognition affirms a principle that my Administration shares with the PLM: that education must remain a pathway to opportunity, a catalyst for progress, and a cornerstone of nation-building.

The theme of PLM’s 58th Commencement Exercises is especially fitting: Mga Makabagong Pantas Taglay ang Karunungan Tungo sa Kadakilaan at Kaunlaran.

It captures the purpose of education: to transform knowledge into wisdom, wisdom into excellency and progress, and service.

And that, more than any degree or title bestowed today, is the standard to which I hold myself.

For generations, PLM has opened opportunities for young Filipinos whose dreams should never be limited by their circumstances in life.

PLM also holds a special place in our family as the First Lady once taught at its College of Law. And through her years here, we became to knowledgeable of the firsthand commitment of this university in shaping the future generations of Filipino professionals.

Its history stands as proof that talent is universal and potential is found everywhere.

I therefore accept this recognition with a renewed commitment to uphold the values that this university has long championed: Karunungan. Kaunlaran. Kadakilaan.

Wisdom, Progress, and Greatness.

These ideals remind us that knowledge and wisdom must ultimately lead to the progress of our people.

The promise of a tertiary education and training still does not reach every Filipino household equally.

And thus, we remain committed to the full and effective implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education.

We continue to expand higher education opportunities and government financial assistance.

We are ensuring that more students from disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors receive support through free college education and technical-vocational education and training programs.

But access must mean more than entering a university.

It must mean providing our students, regardless of circumstance, the support needed to complete their education and to realize the promise that a college degree can bring.

We are doing this by expanding Free Higher Education, which now benefits 2.62 million students, while continuing scholarship and financial assistance programs such as the Tertiary Education Subsidy and the Tulong Dunong Program.

We have also launched the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program for outstanding senior high school graduates pursuing priority degree programs.

At the same time, we continue to strengthen technical-vocational education and training as an equally important pathway to employment and livelihood.

Through CHED and TESDA, we are working to ensure that young Filipinos can pursue the path best suited to their skills and aspirations, whether through a college degree or technical-vocational training.

Every Filipino who completes higher education or training represents far more than a diploma or a certificate earned.

This achievement gives someone a fairer chance to succeed, brings a family closer to a better future, equips a worker with the knowledge and skills for greater opportunities.

Ito ang tunay na bunga ng edukasyon – mas abot-kamay, de-kalidad, at nagbibigay sa bawat Pilipino ng pagkakataong makamit ang mas magandang kinabukasan.

So, to our graduates: May your learning be guided by wisdom, your success measured by the lives that you uplift, and your achievements dedicated to the progress of our nation.

Wherever life takes you, remain true to the ideals of this university. Use what you have learned to help build a stronger, more prosperous, and more compassionate Philippines.

Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.

Mabuhay ang PLM.

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas. [applause]

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