UPV Graduates Told to Use Privilege to Serve People

By Reamae Velasco

Grassroots leaders Reynilda Partida and Fredil Muid urged University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) graduates to use their education to give back to their communities, reminding them that their privilege comes with responsibility.

Partida and Muid served as commencement speakers during UPV’s 46th Commencement Exercises held at the Miagao campus on Tuesday, July 9.

This is the second consecutive year UPV invited community leaders to share their stories and advocacies during graduation.

The two speakers challenged graduates to embrace their roles as leaders grounded in service, community, and cultural identity.

Muid, a respected leader of the Tagbanua Calamian tribe in Calawit, Palawan, emphasized the role of education in preserving indigenous knowledge and promoting environmental stewardship.

“Sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon, mapapalawak ang informal at formal learning sa batas ng kalikasan, mga umiiral na resolusyon, at pagprotekta at respeto sa mga katutubong kaalaman,” he said.

He reminded graduates of the opportunities available to their generation, including access to free education and university resources.

“Maituturing maswerte ang inyong henerasyon; napakaraming oportunidad ang nabuksan para sa inyo – ang kalayaang pumili ng kurso, ang libreng pag-aaral, at ang makatapos sa isang unibersidad na halos nagbibigay ng iyong pangangailangan,” he said.

Muid called on graduates to uphold the spirit of bayanihan, stressing that community strength will shape the future of the next generation.

Partida, a leader and advocate for sustainable fisheries in Carles, Iloilo, said that real success often begins in vulnerability and self-doubt.

“Ang totoong tagumpay ay hindi nagsisimula sa lakas, nagsisimula ito sa pagdududa sa sarili,” she said.

She recalled her struggles in forming the Samahan ng Mangingisdang Matatag at Responsable sa Tarong (SMMART), a fisherfolk group based in Barangay Tarong, Carles, Iloilo.

SMMART promotes responsible and sustainable fishing practices among its members.

“Itinayo namin ang asosasyon hindi dahil may sapat kami na pondo, kundi may malinaw kaming layunin at mabigyan ang bawat isa ng pagkakataon,” she added.

Partida urged the graduates to take action, believe in their potential, and remember that progress begins with the courage to lead.

She encouraged them to invest in the youth, who she said are key to sustaining community empowerment and environmental protection.