LAS PIÑAS Rep. Camille Villar has encouraged the graduates of Tagoloan Community College in Misamis Oriental to never give up on adulting.

“Adulting is hard, but giving up is unthinkable,” Villar said in her speech during the 18th commencement exercises of TCC.

Villar warned the students about the difficulties of adulting, which they would now have to grapple with as the next phase of their lives.

“Life is a battlefield, and you’re off to the next phase of your life called adulting, as you call it. There will be many challenges ahead — it will be exciting, challenging, and at times, scary,” she said.

“But I am confident that you will also discover a strength in yourselves as you begin to navigate this exciting new chapter. Utak at puso — this is something that I trust your education at TCC has instilled in each of you,” she added.

The lawmaker said the idea of giving up should not be in every student’s DNA.

“I want all of you to remember that mistakes will happen, and they should never stop you from doing your best. Mistakes are an opportunity to learn. Learn the lesson, bounce back, and work harder than everyone else,” she said.

“Sipag at tiyaga: these are words that my mom and dad taught us to live by. To dream is one thing, but to make it happen — that takes a whole lot of determination, perseverance, and sipag a tiyaga,” she said.

The solon called the graduates the trailblazers of tomorrow and the country’s future as she urged them to find what inspires them.

“Our country needs you. The country needs your energy, your talents, your knowledge, and your passion to move the country forward towards a path of innovation, towards a path of transformation.

“As our country will continue to face the challenges of today and tomorrow, we are counting on you to help your families, your communities, and your government. You are our men and women on the frontlines, the very same who will take us forward toward a better world. Huwag susuko, huwag mawawalan ng pag-asa,” she further said.