Veteran broadcast journalist and documentarist Kara Patria David-Cancio urged graduates of the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu to carry the values of excellence, honor, and service beyond the classroom as she delivered the commencement address during the university’s 87th Commencement Exercises on Tuesday, July 14.
In her speech, David emphasized that true success extends beyond academic achievement and is measured by one’s commitment to serving others and contributing to nation-building.
Citing UP’s ideals of “Husay, Dangal, at Serbisyo” (Excellence, Honor, and Service), she encouraged graduates to uphold these principles throughout their lives and careers.
Drawing from nearly three decades of experience in journalism, David shared stories of ordinary Filipinos who exemplified compassion, generosity, and public service. She recounted the story of an Agta chieftain in Cagayan who shared his earnings with his community, a cabbage farmer in Benguet who persevered despite unfair market prices, and an embalmer in South Cotabato who faithfully served his community until his final days.
She said these individuals, despite having limited formal education, embodied the very values that UP seeks to instill in its graduates.
Reflecting on the ideals of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, David urged the graduates to broaden their understanding of nationhood.
“Bigger than ourselves, bigger than our families, bigger than our provinces, bigger than our political alliances, ang bayan ay tayong lahat,” she said.
David concluded her address by singing “Sana’y Mayaman,” a song written by her mother, the late UP professor and activist Karina Constantino David, when she was a child. The song conveys the message that true wealth is not measured by material possessions, but by one’s willingness to share with others—a reminder that genuine success is rooted in service and compassion.
She congratulated the UP Cebu Class of 2026 and encouraged the graduates to carry the responsibility of nation-building wherever life takes them, emphasizing that their education is not only a personal achievement but also a lifelong commitment to serving the Filipino people.
Photo: Jacq Hernandez, PBB Photojournalist
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