Senator Loren Legarda Inspires Graduates with Three Virtues
As New Era University marks its golden anniversary, Senator Loren Legarda urged the graduates to serve the Filipino people guided by faith, hope, love—the three virtues that have anchored the institution for five decades. Speaking at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on June 20, 2025, she emphasized the importance of these values in shaping a meaningful life.
“Today is, in itself, a powerful reflection of faith,” Legarda said. “Faith is more than belief; it is action. It is the strength to give ourselves fully in the service of others.” She reminded the graduates that in a world often focused on appearances, true faith offers inner peace and fulfillment from doing what is right, not for applause but for justice.
Love Yourself Before Loving Others
Legarda highlighted that genuine service begins with self-love. She told the graduates, “You were created intentionally, uniquely, and completely. Your gifts, your passions, and even your imperfections are not accidents. They were entrusted to you for a reason.” Loving oneself, she said, honors that trust and empowers one to serve something greater.
“Only then, when you love yourself with the worth you deserve, can your love for others become deep, generous, and whole,” she added, encouraging graduates to embrace their identity fully before reaching out to others.
Hope as a Discipline Rooted in Faith and Action
Legarda also shared that hope is a discipline that blends faith with action. “What allowed me to keep going—even when the road was lonely—was hope,” she reflected. This hope is the belief that the efforts made today will yield positive change in the future and that timely action can prevent suffering.
Legislative Legacy of Faith and Commitment
Drawing from her experience as a four-term senator, Legarda recounted how her hope and love for the Filipino people motivated her to push forward landmark laws on climate change and cultural preservation, even when these issues were not yet widely recognized.
“In 1998, when I authored the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, people asked, ‘Why are you legislating garbage? That won’t get you votes,’” she recalled. Undeterred, she championed the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Climate Change Act, and other key legislation protecting both the environment and cultural heritage.
“Back then, climate action and cultural heritage were not part of our mainstream vocabulary. They weren’t trending; they didn’t command applause, but I pushed forward anyway because my love for the Filipino people demanded foresight and responsibility,” Legarda said.
Call to Serve with Dignity and Hope
In closing, the veteran lawmaker encouraged the graduates to stand firm in serving every Filipino, affirming that all deserve dignity, human rights, quality education, and accessible healthcare.
“In the end, hope is not about believing that things will improve, but knowing that God has already placed within you the strength to make them better,” Legarda concluded.
Founded in 1975 by the Iglesia ni Cristo, New Era University is a non-sectarian institution committed to delivering quality education rooted in Christian values, with the goal of honoring and glorifying God.
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