SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano urged the 2025 Bar passers from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Law to actively shape the country’s future.

“What the Philippines will look like depends on what you do individually, but also what you do as a community,” Cayetano said during a testimonial dinner for the new lawyers.

He reminded graduates that their success reflects both years of personal effort and collective support, emphasizing that meaningful change requires active participation and leadership.

“You cannot just wake up in the morning and wish for a better country. If you don’t change our country, someone will,” he added.

Reflecting on his own generation’s role in shaping the present, Cayetano noted that strong values, leadership, and a supportive environment can help society avoid repeating past mistakes.

“Y’ung generation ngayon, hindi na alam y’ung hirap n’ung dating generation. But since y’ung core values nyo yung soil, y’ung environment ayos na, it prevents them from going back and recurring,” he said.

He encouraged the new lawyers to turn their achievements into concrete action for the nation.

“I want to encourage you. Part of the encouragement is giving you the reality. The reality is kaya natin ito. Turn that pride into actual impact and change in our nation,” Cayetano concluded.