CONGRESSWOMAN-ELECT Leila De Lima urged graduates of the University of Northeastern Philippines to keep learning and to always choose a path of service.

De Lima served as the Commencement Speaker during UNEP’s graduation ceremony.

“To the graduates, I want to tell you this—as someone who’s lived a life of unexpected turns, uphill battles, and hard-won victories: Life is not just a continuation of what you’ve achieved. It’s the unfolding of what you choose to become,” she said.

“Whether you choose to be a teacher, a nurse, an entrepreneur, a scientist, an engineer, an architect, a law enforcer, a lawyer, or a future leader—wherever life takes you—remember your roots, keep learning, and always choose to serve, because someone once served you. May you also stand and fight for what is right, no matter the cost.”

De Lima also congratulated the graduates on their achievements and wished them well as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

The ceremony was attended by faculty members and families, celebrating the culmination of years of academic dedication.