Senator Poe graces Southville College graduation

In its 12th graduation rites, Southville International School and Colleges invited Senator Grace PoeLlamanzares to give the graduates an inspirational message. Poe started her speech by complimenting the graduates’ politeness saying that she felt right at home as the Southville graduates were very respectful and humorously added that everyone must have her last name Poe. In her message to the graduates, Poe advised the need to have a personality beyond what their career demands as there are other 10 million Filipino college graduates looking for a job. She counseled them not to be afraid to list all the skills they have, be it acquired from a hobby, sports or volunteer work. “You worked so hard for your degrees; now let your degrees work hard for you. Use them wisely with the confidence and righteousness that your teachers and school have instilled in you. Most importantly, use them to make our country and our world a better place,” said the senator. Poe also encouraged the graduates to get involved in current affairs and issues by using the Internet to educate themselves, empower their sector and be agents of change. “May reklamo kayo sa gobyerno? Organize yourselves and speak up properly. Para hindi puro trolls ang nakikita at napapakinggan. List all your valid points and concerns.” (Do you have complaints against the government? Organize yourselves and speak up properly. Don’t be a troll and list all your valid points and concerns.) With the convenient though slow access to Internet in the Philippines, Poe urged everyone to explore the universe of cultures, study other countries’ best practices and learn from our neighbors. She believes that knowledge is power and persuaded everyone to harness the power the Internet provides. She shared that a better and more affordable Internet infrastructure was one of her main advocacies in the Senate. That garnered her the cheers from the graduates. She then offered to give internships to anyone interested to work for her cause. Poe ended her speech with an invitation to visit the Senate to see firsthand how the legislative branch works. She invited everyone to learn more and get involved with the government. “The Senate is your Senate. It is never exclusive. It belongs to the people, it belongs to you,” she said.