First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos has encouraged the graduates of the University of Batangas (US) to realize their full potential and help make the Philippines a “better place to live in.”

“I urge you my dear graduates, use your talents to help others and help make our country a better place to live in. Sama-sama tayo, babangon muli (Together, we will rise),” Araneta-Marcos said in a keynote speech delivered during the UB’s commencement exercises on Monday.

Araneta-Marcos was the guest of honor and speaker during the 78th commencement exercises of UB’s College of Law, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Criminal Justice Education, College of Education, and College of Nursing and Midwifery at the university’s gymnasium in Batangas City.

In her speech, she emphasized the importance of “being ready,” telling the graduates to “always be prepared.”

“Today marks the start of your commencement exercises. And as you know, the root word of the word commencement is ‘commence,’ which means to begin, to start again, to start something new. We are here today to celebrate a new chapter in your life,” Araneta-Marcos said.

Araneta-Marcos advised them to make a difference and a lot of effort as they embark on a new journey.

“If you want to make a difference in this world, you have to be prepared. Being prepared means putting your heart and soul in whatever you decide to do, whether it be something big or something small. It really doesn’t matter. Just put your heart and soul into it,” she said.

She also told them to seek advice from professionals and channel their “knowledge, experience, and energy towards helping other people.”

“Being prepared means being humble enough to seek opinions from people who are experts in their fields. There’s no shame in asking advice from others. This will help you master your trade,” Araneta-Marcos said.

She also said it is “more rewarding” to use one’s talents to help others.

She gave the advice, as she acknowledged that the country needs “good healthcare workers, researchers, teachers, accountants, business managements, engineers, and of course lawyers, among others.”

“Through the years, I have learned that there’s nothing more rewarding, nothing more fulfilling than going out of one’s way to make life better, more beautiful for others,” she said.

“It doesn’t have to be big or small, it’s just going out of way to help others. If you use your talents to help others, you will make a difference in this world. It will also bring you a good karma for you and to your loved ones,” Araneta-Marcos added. (PNA)