Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr. told this year's graduates from the University of the Philippines High School in Iloilo (UPHSI) to tip the balance in favor of their academics when they reach college.
The governor, who was the 41st UPHSI Graduation Exercises speaker, said that while "there's another world in the campus outside of the classroom from which your formation as a person will come from," the balance should always be tipped in favor of academics.
He recalled his time as a law student at the Ateneo de Manila University College of Law, where he formed better studying habits.
He said he would start his day reading law school books until the evening before attending his classes, adding he would take time to read even on the weekends to "survive" law school.
Prior to becoming governor, Defensor served as a three-term member of the House of Representatives, becoming Deputy Majority Leader during his last term.
Defensor graduated from UPHSI in 1986 before taking his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy degree at UP Diliman.
He said some of his classmates who were qualified for Latin honors back then received job opportunities before graduating.
"There is a sea of difference between excellent and ordinary when you graduate from college," he said.
The governor urged the UPHSI class of 2022 to be serious with their tertiary education because they will reap the rewards.
He also said that in whatever career the graduates pursue, they should make it relevant to the country.
He said: "Four years from now, you will be joining us as professionals. You will be at the frontline of nation-building, as there will be a lot of nation-building to do in this country."
The 41st Graduation Exercises last July 19, 2022 mark the first time that UPHSI has held such an event face-to-face since the COVID-19 pandemic.
