SENATE Majority Leader Francis Tolentino congratulated hundreds of outstanding students recognized and awarded incentives by the local government of Dasmariñas City, Cavite.

Speaking at the city’s annual Gawad Karangalan ceremony, Tolentino emphasized that the recognition of the students’ hard work and dedication comes with the responsibility to be role models for their peers.

“Be guardians of integrity, knowledge, and values that you’ve learned from your school, parents, and community,” the senator said in his speech.

He encouraged the students to uphold these values so the next batch of graduates can emulate them, thereby bringing honor back to their city, which supported their education.

Tolentino was joined by Mayor Jenny Austria-Barzaga and local officials from Dasmariñas and Cavite. Department of Education Secretary Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara also attended the event.

The Gawad Karangalan program was initiated over a decade ago by the late Representative Elpidio ‘Pidi’ Barzaga to promote the value of education among the city’s youth.