Commencement speakers: awakening, challenges, lessons, responsibilities

At Far Eastern University’s 2025 commencement ceremonies, distinguished speakers from various fields, from corporate leaders and public servants to advocates and innovators, delivered messages that went beyond celebration. Each address was a call to action, urging graduates to step into the world not only with skill and ambition, but also with integrity, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to service. 

Ambe Tierro, country managing partner and CEO of Accenture Philippines, had five requests for the Institute of Accounts, Business, and Finance (IABF) Internal Auditing graduates. 

“Be bold,” said Tierro. “You are more powerful than you think.   

Don’t wait for permission to dream big.  The world needs bold thinkers, builders, and believers.” She assured them that boldness isn’t arrogance, “it’s courage in the face of fear.  If your dreams don’t scare you, you’re not dreaming big enough.” 

Tierro’s second request was for them to be curious.  

“Education never stops. Take it from someone like me who has been working for more than 30 years, I learn something new every day.  The world is changing and there is always something to learn,” she said. 

Third, she requested the IABF Internal Auditing graduates to be compassionate. 

“In a world rushing toward efficiency and perfection, choose kindness.  Your degree might open doors, but your compassion will open hearts,” said Tierro. 

Fourth, she requested the IABF Internal Auditing graduates to have fun. 

“Enjoy life to the fullest.  Live with purpose, live out your passions.  Do not be afraid to fail,” said Tierro. “Do things that energize you, that make you feel complete.” 

Lastly, she requested the IABF Internal Auditing graduates to have faith. 

“Have faith in something bigger than yourself – a purpose, a dream, a divine hand guiding you—whatever that means to you,” said Tierro. “But also have faith in yourself.  Even when things don’t go according to plan—especially when they don’t—trust that you are being prepared for something greater.”      

***** 

Alexander Cabrera, chair emeritus of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Inc., shared with the graduates of Far Eastern University (FEU) IABF Business Administration and FEU Roosevelt the three lessons that have defined his life. 

“The only way to thank God for the talents he gave you—is to return those talents a hundred fold,” he said. “It doesn't matter what you have, what only matters is how well you use what you have. No matter the size, don’t bury that gold.” 

Cabrera told them that when they are stressed, feeling insufficient, or about to sulk, they should say this prayer: “Lord, I do not pray for lesser tasks. I pray for greater talents to equal my tasks.” 

“Lastly, always remember that there is nothing that you receive that is not given from above,” he said. “As for me, when I was just starting and I had nothing, I never felt ‘small time.’ When I began to have something, I never felt ‘big time.’” 

Cabrera asked the IABF Business Administration and FEU Roosevelt to give him some of their energy to remember there are instruments of God’s gifts. “Today you have a choice, given by people who chose the idea that you are more important,” he said. “[Promise] all the people that you love, all the people that matter to you, that you will bring your purpose to life.” 

***** 

Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, president of Megaworld, shared stories with IABF Accountancy and Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts (IARFA) graduates to show them that “the light at the end of the tunnel finds you when you work hard, stay dedicated, and have faith.” 

“First, find your higher purpose.  Reflect on the higher purpose that the Lord has prepared for you,” she said. “There is more to life than just getting ahead only for yourself.”  

Second, she urged the IABF Accountancy and IARFA graduates to be resilient.   

“As you do the work to fulfill the Lord’s purpose for you, you will encounter struggles and setbacks,” said Gutierrez-Alfonso. “Resilience is adjusting and adapting when things do not go as planned, and moving forward with intention.”  

Third, she urged the IABF Accountancy and IARFA graduates to strive for purposeful work done consistently. 

“Do the very best that you can.  Do better than the day before.  Do more—and go beyond—what is expected of you,” said Gutierrez-Alfonso. 

She closed her speech by urging the IABF Accountancy and IARFA graduates to remember their alma mater, the university that has nourished and shaped them through the past years.  

“And remember your parents and guardians, who have been with you every step of the way,” said Gutierrez-Alfonso. 

***** 

Martin Camara, founder of Camara Institute for Chiropractic Sciences (CICS) and Philippine Chiropractic Community Health Project, shared a piece of advice that has guided him throughout the rest of his career with Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing (IHSN) Medical Technology, Institute of Arts and Sciences (IAS) Biology and Applied Math graduates. 

“Don’t think about the money, just focus on getting people well. The rest will follow,” said Camara, quoting his father. 

He began with the end in mind: getting people well—to help people avoid unnecessary surgeries, to give care that honored both the body and the life of the person it belonged to.  

“This meant that I had to push to educate patients, educate health care providers, build trust, and articulate why this work mattered. I had to create a novel branch of health care within our country, because I recognized that individual care thrives only when there is a system built to support it,” said Camara. 

Camara needed to make his profession accepted, legal, and recognized in the country.  

“It was an uphill battle. It took time, dedication, and ceaseless drive to carve this out. To make chiropractic recognized, accepted, and regulated in the Philippines, we had to change the infrastructure, working within the system while also reimagining it,” he said. 

Now a blended, transnational educational institution, CICS is the first of its kind in the Philippines and the region.  

“Let your success be rooted in service. Let your knowledge be driven by compassion. Let your every decision be guided by empathy. For patients, for families, for communities, and for all the people you will meet after today,” said Camara. 

***** 

Maria Rosario Singh, undersecretary of the Department of Health (DOH), reminded IHSN Nursing graduates of their dual responsibility.  

“You serve not just as healers but as the heart of our healthcare system,” she said. “Whether you choose to serve in our barangay health centers, in the packed corridors of public hospitals, or even overseas as ambassadors of Filipino compassion — you will always carry with you the strength and soul of the Pinoy Nurse.” 

Singh also reminded the graduates that they have become leaders in the mission of health for all Filipinos.  

“You graduate at a time when the Philippines has committed itself fully to Universal Health Care—a vision where every Filipino, regardless of income, regardless of location, or background, has access to quality health services without suffering financial hardship,” she said. 

“Nurses do not need applause,” said Singh. “They need reform. And more than that, we need reinvention.” 

Singh’s experiences have given her the chance to contribute to the different aspects of public health. “And in all of the roles I was assigned—there is one thing that I realized: the role of health in the greater scheme of things, is beyond saving lives.” 

As nurses, she urged the graduates to not only care for the sick but to ensure that no one is “left behind.” 

“You will be the bridge between health systems and communities. You will be the voice of the voiceless—the rural poor, the elderly, the indigenous, the marginalized, our children. You will be the constant in an often-fractured health system,” said Singh. 

***** 

Manuel Dayrit, former secretary of the DOH got his message across to IHSN Nursing and FEU Cavite graduates. 

“As graduating nurses, you are inheriting the legacy of dedication and heroism of nurses who have served before you. Underscore the word dedication,” he said. “[Nursing] is back-breaking service to patients and people, wherever you meet them. Your whole-hearted dedication to this service is what will ultimately uplift you.” 

He said the graduates would be meeting all sorts of challenges in the practice of nursing. At the frontlines of care, said Dayrit, they will witness the human drama of illness, suffering, and death.  

“You will witness recovery and restoration of health. You will give comfort to the afflicted. Yours will be the faces that patients and their families will appreciate in their hour of need. In these moments, you will be both burdened and privileged to see people’s vulnerabilities and resilience. This is the gift of your profession. Treasure it,” said Dayrit. 

Dayrit urged the graduates to cultivate their spirituality. This is more than just their mental health, he said. “Wherever you are, live your life for others.” 

***** 

Pacita Juan, president of The Philippine Coffee Board, Inc. assured Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM) and Institute of Education (IE) graduates that they are ready for the future. 

“[You are ready] because you’ve already proven that you can thrive under pressure, learn fast and care deeply—the exact qualities the world needs now,” she said. 

She also showed them that learning comes from real life: “from people who were silent about what they needed; from purveyors who taught me about integrity; from communities that reminded me why we do what we do.” 

Juan urged the ITHM and IE graduates to have a mission. 

“[The] industry, you see, is not just about pleasing people. It is about giving people something meaningful. It is not just service. It is service with a conscience,” she said. 

“[When] things get hard—and they will—always return to your mission,” said Juan. 

Juan also encouraged the ITHM and IE graduates to pursue mastery, not just success. “Keep learning. Read. Travel. Ask questions. Make mistakes. Stay curious.” 

Professionals should value character more than credentials, she said. “Your resume may open a door, but your kindness discipline and integrity will keep that door open.” 

“Say yes to opportunities that challenge you. Say yes even when you feel unprepared. Growth only happens when it is uncomfortable. Be proudly Filipino. In your values, in your excellence, and service to others,” said Juan. 

***** 

Katherine Custodio, executive director of WWF Philippines shared with IAS Psychology graduates the three clues that helped her find a path that felt right. 

“Clue [number] 1: I loved the work. Even when I didn’t fully understand where it would lead, there was something about the work that made me feel right,” she said. “It was tough—we didn’t always get a yes. But I felt energized, alive, like I had a reason to give my best every day. That feeling? That’s a clue.” 

“Clue [number] 2: The work helped people. I realized I was happiest when what I did made someone’s life better,” said Custodio. “As psych majors, I’m sure many of you have had moments when someone opened up to you, and you held space for them. That’s no small thing. That’s help. That’s impact.” 

“Clue [number] 3: The work made me grow. It challenged me—in ways I didn’t expect,” she said. “There were times I wanted to give up. But I learned that the stretch — the discomfort — was where the growth was. Will I take on this harder thing, or will I just stay in my comfort zone?” 

Custodio urged the IAS Psychology graduates to think about something closer to home—the Tamaraw.  

“Your school mascot. This species exists only in the Philippines. And it's critically endangered. But did you know that FEU has helped in tamaraw conservation efforts? The only recent images we have of tamaraws are from camera traps supported by FEU,” she said. “Tamaraws are threatened by loss of habitat. Their struggle is also our struggle—to survive and thrive in a rapidly changing world with infinite wants but finite resources.” 

***** 

Howie Severino, editor-at-large of GMA News Online, who spoke in Filipino, advised IAS Arts and FEU Makati graduates that there is one quality they must carry for life: “gratitude.” 

“Love the habit of being grateful. Practice it not only on graduation day, but also in every opportunity. That is one of the key qualities of an ‘”awakened youth,’” he said. 

But what does an awakened youth truly mean? asked Severino. 

“First, it means using your education to make wise decisions — from what you eat, the products you buy, to the candidates you vote for,” he said. 

Second, an awakened youth is not afraid to be alone, said Severino. “Alone time is important. It’s okay to be seen eating out by yourself. That’s where ideas form, reflections happen, and convictions are strengthened.” 

“Third, an awakened youth is not afraid of discomfort. In fact, you might even seek out more difficult tasks to strengthen your character—even in small things like taking cold showers, fasting, or running until you’re out of breath,” he said. “There is something today called a “crisis of comfort”—where the main goal in life is to always seek physical comfort and avoid any form of hardship. But there is a kind of comfort that hardship brings, and that is empathy.” 

Severino quoted Dr. Jose Rizal, who said: “The youth is the hope of the nation.” But you cannot be the hope of the nation if you are not aware, he said. 

***** 

Lawyer Dominador Buhain, chairman and president of REX Education, challenged FEU Institute Law (IL) graduates during their annual hooding and commencement exercises: “your real education begins now.” 

“The law is more than just a profession or a discipline. It is a lifelong calling—a responsibility to balance justice and compassion, to shield the vulnerable, and to uphold the rule of law with integrity,” he said.  

Buhain said they must remember that each signature, each decision, and each argument they make will ripple and influence communities far beyond what they may see. 

“Never underestimate the influence you wield—how a just decision, a well-argued case, or a compassionate gesture can inspire change beyond your imagination. I encourage all of you to champion lifelong learning, to remain curious, and to never lose sight of your ethical compass,” he said. 

He added that success in the law is not measured merely by titles or accolades, but by the depth of one’s integrity and the impact one leave behind. 

“Seek excellence always, but balance it with humility,” said Buhain. “Celebrate your victories, but honor your failures, for they will teach you the most enduring lessons. Be brave in defending what is right, but even braver in admitting your mistakes and learning from them.” 

For his message during conferment of their Juris Doctor (JD) degree, commissioner of the Legal Education Board Lorenzo Reyes reminded the graduates of the role that they play in society. 

“Every law graduate who enters public service is not just a lawyer but a nation builder,” he said. “To be a nation builder is to wield the law with integrity, with pride, and with an unwavering sense of duty.”  

Reyes said the country needs lawyers not only to interpret the law, but also to advance justice, to safeguard democratic values, and to lead by example. 

“[The FEU IL] continues to rise to that challenge through strong leadership, dedicated faculty, and a vision that places honor and excellence at its core,” he said. “Wear your JD title with humility and pride. You now carry a heavy burden not only as legal professionals but as agents of reform, compassion, and justice.  

“Go forth and serve, for your country needs you. Not just as attorneys, but as leaders.” 

As the graduates of 2025 leave the halls of FEU, the words of their commencement speakers serve as both compass and fuel: to dream boldly, work with purpose, stand firm in adversity, and lead with compassion.