Rep. Alfred Vargas
Rep. Alfred Vargas of Quezon City was emotional after he finished his Master of Public Administration from the National College of Public Administration and Governance of the University of the Philippines on Sunday, July 25.
During a virtual conference with entertainment press, Vargas said that he dedicates his latest milestone to his mother, a lawyer, who had passed away.
"Mommy, natupad ko ang pangako ko sa inyo. I wish you lived to see this promise fulfilled. Maraming salamat sa inspirasyon, sa guidance at sa disiplina. Higit sa lahat, thank you for teaching me to dream, work hard for my dreams, and help others reach their dreams as well," the actor-politician said, moments after his graduation.
Vargas, 39, said that he couldn't help but shed tears during the UP virtual graduation ceremony Sunday morning.
The congressman said that his wife Yasmine and three children have prepared an intimate party for him after graduation.
Vargas said that he intends to pursue a doctorate degree after the 2022 national elections.
But Vargas said that he will take a break from politics after his term. He also said that he will support his brother Quezon City Councilor PM Vargas who will run in the elections next year.
His full post on Instagram:
"I am happy and proud to have graduated from UP-NCPAG with a Master of Public Administration degree. Mommy, natupad ko ang pangako ko sa inyo. I wish you lived to see this promise fulfilled. Maraming salamat sa inspirasyon, sa guidance at sa disiplina. Higit sa lahat, thank you for teaching me to dream, work hard for my dreams, and help others reach their dreams as well.
"Nakaka-senti ang pagtatapos at hindi nabawasan ang excitement kahit virtual ang graduation rites. Excited along magbihis at isuot ang sablay. Di matanggal ang aking malaking ngiti kahit ang kaharap ko ay laptop at hindi ko katabi ang aking mga kaklase. And in the midst of all the emotions, I can’t help but reflect on the significance of the moment.
"Mahalaga ang edukasyon pero ang saysay nito ay nasa paggamit ng natutunan para sa ikabubuti ng kapwa.
"Earning a degree in these challenging times is a valuable personal journey. Ang hirap. Minsan pakiramdam ko pasakit na sa dami ng aking ibang tungkulin labas sa pagiging estudyante. But we know that nothing good comes easy.
"Almost 20 years after graduating from college, 12 years into my calling as a public servant, I feel a renewed sense of commitment to the philosophy my other Alma Mater, Ateneo (AB MEco ‘02), has instilled in me. Being “a man for others” is a mission I embrance with greater resolve. I want to continue to strive, with fervor, being a man for my family, my community, and my country, and God.
"Sa pagdaan ng panahon, masarap isipin ang mga achievement natin sa buhay. Pero mas mahalagang matugunan natin ang tunay na hamon at dahilan kung bakit tayo buhay.
"Thank you sa lahat ng nakasama ko sa aking latest journey to graduation. Amore, Yasmine, thank you for all the understanding and sacrifices. Salamat UP-NCPAG. Salamat sa lahat ng classmate ko, mga propesor, mga non-teaching staff ng college. That was a fun and wild and gratifying adventure. To my fellow batchmates, class of 2021, we made it!!!
"Ngayon, paiigtingin pa natin ang pagtugon sa hamon ng buhay at tawag ng serbisyo."