Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto has urged the 636 new graduates of the Batangas State University (BatStateU) Class of 2025 to use their talents to serve the Filipino people.
“Ang edukasyong inyong natanggap mula sa pamantasan na ito ay gamitin ninyo upang umunlad ang buhay at gumanda ang kinabukasan ng mga taong naghihirap din para makamit ninyo ang inyong tagumpay: ang magsasaka, mga manggagawa, mga trabahante sa serbisyo,” he said in his speech.
Secretary Recto, who introduced a bill declaring BatStateU as the Philippines’ National Engineering University (The NEU), served as its Guest Speaker during its 57th Commencement Exercises on July 21, 2025.
“Make your parents proud, but also make your people proud. If you’re looking for a post-graduation motto to guide and inspire, you only need these three powerful words to be your moral compass: Serve the people,” he added.
Secretary Recto likewise told new graduates that public service is not just about intention but delivery, and urged them to take part in this nation-building effort.
“[S]ervice is not enough. You also have to deliver. It’s not enough to mean well; you must also do well. And that’s what we in government are doing. No government is perfect. But we are working hard every day to make our country better, fairer, and more prosperous,” he said.
“And we need you to join us in this effort. Because nation-building is not just the duty of the government, you all have a role in it. Kaya nga po commencement kasi hindi ito katapusan. Ito ang simula,” Secretary Recto added.
He praised the next generation of workers for their creativity and proficiency in using modern technology while reminding them to think critically in a chronically online world, ridden with fake news.
“[M]aghanap, magtanong, at magsuri. Kasi ang taong tunay na matalino, yung tunay na may ambisyon para sa bayan, may lalim dapat ang pag-iisip at may pananabik ding makaintindi,” the Finance Chief said.
“In short, don’t let technology replace your own judgment, your own effort, your own heart. Because no app, no AI, no algorithm can replace grit, kindness, and wisdom. So yes, use these tools to help you learn, to help you create, to help you speak out,” he added.
In closing, Secretary Recto shared a core principle that has guided his public life: “Talino at puso.” For there is great merit in making the right, though unpopular decisions, rather than being applauded for doing nothing at all.
“Titles are not important. Performance is. Because true success is not measured by titles nor the number of likes, but by impact,” he stressed.
As the Philippines’ NEU, BatStateU is recognized as the largest engineering university in the country in terms of enrollment and program offerings, delivering quality education to students from all 17 regions across the Philippines. It also continuously provides world-class academic training to young Filipinos in all specialized areas.
