Commencement Address of Senator Loren Legarda: University of Antique Graduation Ceremonies

Dear graduates, esteemed faculty, proud families, and distinguished guests,

Today, I stand before you not just as your Senator but as a proud daughter of Antique whose roots run deep in this beautiful province, and whose hopes and dreams are as boundless as our seas and as grand as our mountains. I am deeply honored to receive the Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, from this distinguished institution. To be recognized here, among my fellow Antiqueños, in a place that holds the legacy of my ancestors, is an honor that fills me with joy and gratitude. This recognition is more than just a personal milestone, I receive this today in honor of all who call Antique home, carrying with me the faith and determination that together we can continue to create a legacy worthy of our heritage.

To the graduating class of 2025—congratulations! Yours is a moment of triumph. The diploma you hold reflects your sacrifices, the quiet struggles, and the resilience that have brought you to this day. Nakita ko sainyong mga nawong ang paglaum kang aton probinsiya, kamo ang magahimo kang mas maayo kag mas madig-on nga Antique. (I see in your faces the hope of our province; you are the ones who will build a better and stronger Antique).

But let me take you beyond this ceremony—into the soul of what it means to transform lives and build sustainable and resilient communities, the theme that defines your journey today.

Resilience is not just surviving calamities—it is about thriving despite them. I have witnessed the strength of our kasimanwa in the face of typhoons, floods, and earthquakes. But resilience is also the courage of a mother who sacrifices her own needs so her children can finish school. It is the persistence of a father who tills the land from dawn to dusk, weathering storms and droughts, determined to secure a better future for his family. It is the spirit of a student who treks great distances to learn, or of another who juggles work with study, or of those who confront various personal struggles, yet remain undeterred by hardship. This is the true spirit of Antiqueños that will bring you places: unyielding, hopeful, and determined.

We must honor that spirit not only with words but through meaningful action. That is why I have long championed education, culture, and climate resilience—because to build a sustainable future, we must invest in the minds and well-being of our people.

As the co-author and co-sponsor of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, I have worked tirelessly to ensure that Antiqueños access tertiary education without the burden of tuition fees, securing scholarships and opportunities for students here at the University. Beyond academics, I recognize the value of physical development in fostering discipline and camaraderie, which mirror the values we need to build a resilient Antique. Thus, I am proud to have supported the construction of the newly completed swimming pool we inaugurate today – a symbol not just of infrastructure but of opportunity; an investment in health, sports, and the holistic development. I also ensured that the university will receive a significant share from this year’s national budget through the creation of a track oval in UA Tibiao and the construction of two Padel Courts – one in Tibiao and another in Sibalom campus.

To truly empower our youth and elevate the University of Antique, we must invest in cutting-edge facilities and resources. Hence, I pushed for the establishment of a Maritime Virtual and Augmented Reality Laboratory – a facility that will equip our students with tools to excel in the rapidly evolving maritime industry. We also launched the Maritime E-Learning Management System – ensuring that quality education remains accessible anytime, anywhere. We completed the Integrated Research and Development Laboratory – where innovation and knowledge will flourish. We built additional classrooms in UA Libertad and UA Sibalom to accommodate the growing number of students determined to build a brighter future. We established Food Processing Centers in UA Tibiao and Hamtic, providing hands-on learning experience while supporting our local communities. And recognizing the importance of connectivity in education, I initiated the activation of free Wi-Fi sites through Starlink in various campuses of the University of Antique and several other schools across the province.

But sustainability is more than just infrastructure, it is about empowering you—the youth—to become stewards of our land and leaders of tomorrow. As you leave the halls of the University of Antique, remember this: Your education is a responsibility – a call to serve, to uplift, and to transform. Return to your communities with purpose. Be teachers who inspire the next generation, entrepreneurs who bring innovative solutions, engineers who design sustainable infrastructures, scientists who drive discovery and promote sustainable innovation. Be leaders who serve with integrity and compassion. Build not just careers but legacies.

To the faculty and families — you have not just nurtured graduates; you have raised changemakers. And to the University of Antique, may you continue to flourish as a premier institution of learning and innovation. Trust that I will remain as your steadfast partner in cultivating leaders that will shape the future of our province and our nation.

Graduates, you are the heartbeat of Antique. Carry with you the values of excellence, compassion, and resilience. Write your stories boldly, dream without boundaries, knowing that you have the power to transform not just your lives but the lives of those around you.
Congratulations once again. Duro gid nga salamat kag kruhay University of Antique!