Pinoy Workers Partylist Rep. Karl Fernandez Legazpi on Monday challenged graduates of Western Philippines University (WPU) to remain in the country and help shape its future, as he acknowledged the growing desire among young Filipinos to seek opportunities abroad.
Speaking before the WPU Class of 2026 during the university’s 56th commencement exercises, Legazpi addressed what he described as a difficult but defining question for the youth: whether a better life awaits outside the Philippines.
Citing a 2024 survey by JobStreet and the Boston Consulting Group, he noted that nearly 80% of Filipinos have expressed interest in working overseas, driven by higher salaries, better social services, and broader career opportunities.
“Would life be easier somewhere else?” Legazpi said, pointing to the pressures and uncertainties confronting many young Filipinos.
He acknowledged the frustrations of a generation facing economic hardship, inequality, political division, and long-standing systemic challenges, saying many are burdened by problems they did not create.
“Bakit ang henerasyon natin ang nagmana ng mga krisis na ito? Bakit tayo ang inaasahang humarap sa pagkakahati-hati, korapsyon, hindi pantay na oportunidad, at patuloy na kawalang-katiyakan?” he said.
Instead of giving a direct answer, Legazpi drew from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, recalling the character Frodo’s struggle with overwhelming responsibility and quoting Gandalf: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
He said the line reflects the responsibility of the present generation to respond to national challenges with purpose and courage.
“We did not choose the times we were born into… But we can choose how we respond,” he said.
Legazpi urged graduates to see education not only as a path to employment but as a commitment to leadership and public service.
“Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa pagtatapos ng pag-aaral. Ito ay tungkol sa pagsisimula ng ating pananagutan. Ng responsibilidad,” he said.
He also cautioned against measuring success solely through personal advancement, stressing that true achievement lies in uplifting others.
“Ang tagumpay ay hindi lamang tungkol sa kung gaano kataas ang mararating natin. Kundi kung gaano karaming tao ang ating naiaangat sa laylayan habang tayo ay umaakyat,” he said.
As the graduating class prepares to enter the workforce, Legazpi said the country needs not only professionals but citizens guided by integrity and conviction.
“Hindi kailangan ng bansa ng mas maraming taong sikat… Kailangan nito ng mga taong may paninindigan,” he said.
He ended his message with a direct appeal for national commitment amid global opportunities.
“Piliin natin ang katotohanan. Piliin natin ang integridad. Piliin natin ang serbisyo. At sa kabila ng lahat—piliin pa rin natin ang Pilipinas,” he said.
