National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan asked the University of the Philippines Los Baños Class of 2023 to keep their values and principles.
“It is now your turn to discover your place in this complex yet exciting world, adapt, and demonstrate your resilience to the challenges that will inevitably come your way, and become the best version of yourselves—and become better versions of the people who came before you—while remaining true to your values and principles, to honor and excellence,” Balisacan said in his commencement address on Aug. 5, 2023.
Balisacan, an alumnus of the university, delivered the commencement address to a batch who endured numerous challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, the early development stages of the K-12 curriculum and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, among others.
He congratulated the graduates and imparted three points of wisdom: cultivate your passions, learn to embrace change and stay anchored to your principles.
Balisacan recounted his humble beginnings in a farming village in Solsona, Ilocos Norte and how he had a clear vision of what he wanted to accomplish while pursuing his Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics in UPLB.
“When I embarked on my graduate studies in agricultural economics, I knew I was able and competent, but more importantly, I knew what I wanted out of life. I wanted to dedicate my life to public service: I had a vision to one day use my talents to help shape public policies that would affect our country and help my fellow Filipinos,” Balisacan said.
He encouraged the graduates to explore their interests and cultivate them with a passion that can sustain their dedication and hard work.
He told the graduates not to fear change brought about by rapid technological developments affecting the economy and society in general, but to remain flexible, adaptive and teachable.
“I implore you to see these developments not as threats or barriers to your growth and well-being, but as opportunities for you to tap into,” he said.
Balisacan also underscored the government’s role in ensuring more equitable outcomes amid such constant, rapid and disruptive change.
“Some individuals, sectors, and groups can quickly seize opportunities, while others may struggle and sink. It is for this very reason that the government, the educational system, and the private sector step in to ensure more equitable outcomes: providing upskilling and training programs; promoting access to supporting infrastructure and services, such as the internet; creating a robust and reliable social protection system; enhancing physical mobility and market linkages; and enabling inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Balisacan encouraged the graduates to explore and pursue paths in their lives that would lead them to become better versions of themselves, help the country and contribute to nation building.
“Irrespective of where you find yourselves down the road, becoming the better versions of yourselves while upholding honor and excellence is the best gift you can ever give to your country and the best gift you can ever bestow to your university. After all, you are our Iskos and Iskas, our iskolars ng bayan!” he said.