Award-winning broadcast journalist and documentarian Kara David-Cancio urged graduates of the University of the Philippines Cebu to use their education not only for personal success but to uplift those left behind, anchoring her commencement address on the university's core values of Husay (Excellence), Dangal (Honor), and Serbisyo (Service) during the 87th Commencement Exercises on Tuesday, July 14.
Rather than recounting her own achievements, David said the lessons she shared came from ordinary Filipinos she met throughout nearly 30 years in journalism. Through the story of Daniel Pablo, chieftain of the Agta community in Peñablanca, Cagayan, David illustrated Husay, recalling how the tribal leader spent the P500 he earned from selling freshwater eel to buy rice for every family in the community.
"Sa kultura ng mga katutubong Pilipino, walang naiiwan. No one left behind," David quoted Daniel, adding that true excellence is not measured by academic honors but by how one uses knowledge to serve others. "Ang tunay na sukatan ng husay at katalinuhan ay hindi sa taas ng inyong grado... Nasusukat ito sa kung paano ninyo gagamitin ang inyong kaalaman para iangat ang karamihan."
For Dangal, David recounted the story of Janaret Belyao, a vegetable farmer from Buguias, Benguet, who continued farming despite cabbage prices plunging to as low as P2 per kilo. She said dignity is found not in titles or status but in perseverance and honesty, especially during life's most difficult moments.
Closing with Serbisyo, David shared the story of Joel Gindon, a volunteer from T'boli, South Cotabato, who risks his life transporting coffins to remote communities without expecting anything in return. She reminded graduates that meaningful service does not require wealth or political power.
"Hindi mo kailangang maging milyonaryo para makatulong sa kapwa mo, at hindi mo kailangang maging pulitiko para makapaghatid ng tunay na pagbabago," she said.
David ended her address by urging the Class of 2026 to never forget those on society's margins as they pursue success.
"Hindi tayo nabubuhay para lang sa ating sarili... Kapag mayroon kang higit sa sapat, mangyaring ibalik ang iyong komunidad."
| via Aldo Banaynal #TheFreeman #Cebu
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