SENATOR Bam Aquino has emphasized the importance of creating employment opportunities for graduates, saying that free college education must be matched with clear pathways to stable jobs.

In a social media post, Aquino said every graduation day is not only a celebration for students but also a victory for parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family members who made sacrifices to help them complete their studies.

He highlighted the struggles endured by many Filipino families, including saving money, staying up late, borrowing funds, and stretching limited incomes to cover daily expenses such as food, transportation, school allowances, electricity, medicine, and tuition fees.

“Behind every diploma is a family that sacrificed and persevered,” Aquino said, noting that many parents continued to work hard despite rising prices and economic challenges in the hope of giving their children a better future.

According to Aquino, a diploma represents more than academic achievement. It also symbolizes a family’s long-standing aspiration for graduates to secure stable employment, support their loved ones, and improve their quality of life.

The senator-elect stressed that while free higher education has expanded access to college, it is not enough if graduates are left without opportunities after earning their degrees.

“Free college education should be followed by guaranteed job opportunities,” Aquino said, adding that education and employment must go hand in hand to help young Filipinos succeed.

Aquino further said that when a young person succeeds, the benefits extend beyond the individual and uplift entire families.

He added that expanding opportunities for Filipino youth would ultimately contribute to national development and economic progress.

The statement comes as schools across the country hold graduation ceremonies for School Year 2025–2026, with thousands of students preparing to enter the workforce or pursue further studies.