Legarda imparts important values to graduating students of CMU
July 9, 2025Senator Loren Legarda imparted to the graduating students of the City of Malabon University (CMU) the values of service to others, love for culture and history, as well as perseverance, to become model Filipinos.
“I speak to you not merely as your four-term senator, but as a daughter of Malabon who knows that the learners of the City of Malabon University—you—are individuals who strive not just to succeed, but to uplift others along the way,” Legarda said during her keynote speech on Wednesday, July 9.
Outlining three key points, Legarda served as a bridge to success for many, as she has dedicated her life to serving her fellow Filipinos.
Then, a young lawmaker, Legarda, was questioned for her advocacies—environmental protection, cultural preservation, and disaster risk reduction.
Sticking to her ideals, the four-term senator was able to shepherd some of the country’s significant environmental laws, such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
Barangay Potrero, where she grew up, has become a model community and was recognized by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for having one of the most effective zero-waste programs in the National Capital Region.
She also urged students to love Philippine history and culture—and to look inward—and appreciate the contributions our forefathers have made.
“It is this inner gaze that anchors us, reminding us that we are not blank slates. We are heirs to centuries of resilience, creativity, and revolution,” reminded Legarda.
“Dahil kultura at kasaysayan ang ating gabay, at sa bawat desisyong may pagtanaw sa pinanggalingan, tayo ay humahakbang patungo sa hinaharap na may saysay.”
In Malabon, Legarda supported the declaration of San Bartolome Church as an Important Cultural Property in 2022.
Due to her commitment to public service, she shared that she dedicated her entire time and effort, which demands persistence, discipline, and hard work.
“There will be days when your work feels invisible, your vision misunderstood, or the system too slow, too rigid, too broken. But still—especially then—press on.”
Due to her persistence in initiating the Manila Call to Action in 2015, the Philippines was able to adopt the historic Paris Agreement.
She also advocated for innovative financing for climate-vulnerable nations, such as the Philippines, and became a policy leader in shaping climate change policy.
“I want you to dream so boldly that it scares you. When the world says ‘it cannot be done,’ prove otherwise. When there’s no seat at the table, build one,” asserted Legarda.
“Speak the truth even when it trembles in your throat. Challenge what no longer serves. Do not wait for permission to act with integrity. Charge ahead and be brave,” she continued.
“For the world is not transformed by comfort, it changes because of those who dare to leap, who labor without compromise, and who never lose sight of the common good.” (30)