SENATOR Bam Aquino urged Filipino graduates to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams while calling on the government to curb corruption and invest more in education, jobs, and opportunities for the youth.

In a message to graduates, Aquino said graduation marks not only the completion of a chapter in life but also the beginning of new aspirations, opportunities, and journeys.

“Graduation is not only the completion of a stage in life. It is also the start of new dreams, new opportunities, and a new chapter for our youth,” Aquino said.

While graduates celebrate a significant milestone, Aquino stressed the need for meaningful reforms in government, particularly in addressing corruption and ensuring that public funds are spent for the benefit of the people.

He said every peso lost to corruption is money that could have been used to improve education, create jobs, and expand opportunities for young Filipinos.

Aquino called for a government that prioritizes programs and services that genuinely serve the public and help improve the lives of citizens.

The senator also reaffirmed his commitment to advancing education reforms, including sustaining free college education and strengthening the link between education and employment.

“We continue to fight not only for free college education but also for a clear bridge from schooling to jobs that match the skills, training, and aspirations of our youth,” Aquino said.

Addressing graduates and young Filipinos directly, Aquino encouraged them to persevere in pursuing their ambitions and to take an active role in nation-building.

He emphasized the importance of the youth’s voice in shaping the country’s future and urged them to advocate for the kind of future they want for themselves, their families, and the nation.