Mayor urges graduates to ‘look back and give back’

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez urged graduates of Bacolod City College to “look back and give back” to their roots during the college’s 24th Graduation Rites at the SMX Convention Center on Wednesday afternoon.

Benitez, who also serves as the chairman of the board of Bacolod City College, was the guest of honor at the ceremony.

“As mayor of this city, I have one request for you. There will be successful people in this batch. Think of Bacolod, think of where you came from,” Benitez said.

He continued, “Because that is what I did. I came back. I give back to my roots and where I came from.”

Benitez also advised the graduates, “Always look back to where you came from and that will keep you grounded.”

He encouraged the graduates to pursue what makes them happy.

“At the end of the day, whatever you do, you will reflect on the decisions you made, and they should be based on what makes you happy,” he said.

The mayor emphasized, “If you follow that rule, if you follow that formula, you will never regret it.”

He highlighted the pride in being a Bacolod City College graduate.

“You should be proud because of the hardships you endured and the lessons your teachers imparted. They are happy not because they won’t see you anymore but because you are taking their teachings with you.”

“And of course, they are looking forward to your success,” Benitez added.

In a light-hearted moment, he joked, “So, if someone underestimates you, don’t worry because there is someone who loves you.”

After his speech, Benitez awarded a P100,000 cash reward to Aphrodite Miller, a magna cum laude Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education graduate.

Miller, who delivered the valedictory address, graduated at the top of her class and was also offered a job in the city government by the mayor.