SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano underscored the crucial role of parental support in the success of Filipino youth in their chosen careers.

Cayetano shared this message to the graduates of the Philippine State College of Aeronautics Or PhilSCA and their parents during the commencement ceremony.

“The people who will encourage you, help you, fund you, push you, and pick you up are in this room. Who are they? Your parents, professors, best friends, brothers, and sisters, because they’re the most important people to us,” he told the graduates.

“What they say matters and hurts us the most: ‘hindi mo kaya’, ‘mali ang ambisyon mo’, ‘hindi ka marunong,’” he continued.

Cayetano said this is why it is important for both parents and the youth to maintain open communication about their aspirations in order to avoid unnecessary disappointments.

“You, graduates have to talk about your vision. And parents, you have to talk to them din kasi minsan y’ung iniisip niyo kung saan sila 10 years from now, iba sa iniisip nila,” he said.

If there is no communication, he added, “mag-aaway talaga kayo.”

He encouraged parents to provide guidance and encouragement while trusting that their children are old enough, mature enough, and smart enough to decide for themselves.

Cayetano also congratulated the graduates for enduring the trials of university life and their parents for their sacrifices.

At the same time, he challenged them to uphold the standards of their prestigious university and “to make the right decisions” as they pursue their career goals.

“Babantayan namin kayo, and we hope to do our part that government will continue to support na ma-achieve niyo ang inyong vision,” he added.