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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'You can transform the nation,' Romualdez tells CapSU graduates

'You can transform the nation,' Romualdez tells CapSU graduates

Published Jun 19, 2025 10:42 am

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez has galvanized graduates of Capiz State University (CapSU) by telling them that they have the power to lead the country's transformation.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez (PPAB)
House Speaker Martin Romualdez (PPAB)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has galvanized graduates of Capiz State University (CapSU) by telling them that they have the power to lead the country's transformation.
“The future of the Philippines is not written in the corridors of power in Manila. It is written in places like Capiz. It is written by graduates like you—who stay, who serve, and who lead with integrity,” Romualdez told more than 5,000 graduates during CapSU’s 21st commencement exercises Wednesday, June 18 at Capiz Gymnasium in Roxas City, Capiz. 
“Capiz State University is not just producing graduates. It is producing hope-bearers for the region,” he underscored.
“This is not just education—it is transformation. This is not just a diploma—it is a declaration: That the youth of Capiz will not be left behind. That the Filipino dream is alive and well in Western Visayas, he added.
In one of his most personal and stirring graduation speeches, Romualdez framed the ceremony as a symbol of the Filipino struggle and spirit marked by sacrifice, perseverance and unshakable belief in a better tomorrow.
“This moment—your moment—is not just a ceremony. It is a culmination of everything that defines us as a people: sakripisyo, tiyaga, disiplina, at pananalig sa kinabukasan (sacrifice, perseverance, discipline, and faith in the future). Class of 2025, you did not just survive college. You conquered it,” said the leader of the 306-member House of Representatives.
The Leyte 1st district representative praised the determination of students in the face of adversity, as he cited their experience with natural disasters, economic hardship, and digital barriers during the pandemic.
“You braved typhoons, blackouts, online classes with unstable signal, rising tuition, and shrinking allowances. You studied in crowded classrooms, or in silence at dawn, while your parents were already out working, or still up from the night shift. You made it. And you are here,” the House chief said.
Romualdez, also the president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), emphasized that the students' graduation was not just a personal milestone, but a collective victory.
He honored the parents, teachers, and community members who stood by the students. “Let us take a moment to honor not just the graduates, but also the silent warriors behind them … To them, this is their graduation too,” the Speaker said.
He lauded CapSU as a beacon of transformation in Western Visayas. He highlighted its nine campuses, more than 1,000 Latin honor graduates, and its growing reputation as a producer of leaders and change-makers.
Romualdez called on the graduates to live out the university’s commencement theme — “One CapSU: Working Together, Growing Stronger, Reaching Higher” — and use it as a guide for nation-building.
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