Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking message to the University of the Philippines (UP) Engineering Class of 2025, urging graduates to use their knowledge not just for personal success, but to uphold what is right and just.

“Hindi sapat na magaling ka. Dapat mabuting tao ka (It's not enough to be talented. You must also be a good person),” Sotto said during the ceremony.

He emphasized that true success should never come at the expense of one’s conscience and values.

“Success must not come at the cost of conscience,” he said.

Sotto reminded them how easy it is to lose idealism in the real world, where ambition and societal pressures can test one’s moral compass.

“Madaling makain ng sistema. Mabilis macha-challenge ang idealismo niyo Pero sana hindi ito mawala (It's easy to be swallowed by the system. Your idealism can be quickly challenged but hopefully, this doesn’t disappear),” he said.

The mayor pointed out that even those who start with good intentions can lose their principles in the pursuit of wealth, power, or recognition.

“Mayaman ka nga—galing naman sa nakaw. Nakapwesto ka nga—ang dami mo namang tinapakan (You may be rich—but it came from theft. You may be in power—but you stepped on so many people to get there),” he said.

The mayor also called out the normalization of corruption in both government and business, where some justify wrongdoing as standard practice.

“Sabihin mo nang SOP—standard operating procedure—but it’s theft, plain and simple (Call it SOP—standard operating procedure—but it's still theft, plain and simple),” he said.

Encouraging the graduates to define success on their terms, Sotto questioned society’s obsession with money, position, and popularity.

“Bakit ba ‘yun ang pangarap natin? Pera? Posisyon? Kasikatan? (Why is that our dream? Money? Position? Fame?),” He asked.

Despite the harsh realities, the mayor encouraged the young engineers to remain grounded and become agents of positive change.

“You will have the opportunity to be a catalyst for change,” he said.

He concluded with a personal reflection and advice, reminding graduates to stay rooted in service, faith, and integrity.

“Pray that you live with faith and integrity, and use your privilege to serve, protect, and help those who are not as fortunate in life,” he said.

“Hindi ko man nabago ang lahat, naging mabuti akong tao sa kapwa ko. Nakatulong ako sa ikagaganda ng bayan natin (I may not have changed everything, but I was a good person to others. I was able to contribute to the betterment of our city),” the mayor added.