Vico Sotto Inspires UP Engineering Class of 2025
VICO SOTTO – The Mayor of Pasig City delivered an inspiring keynote address to the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Engineering Class of 2025 during their recognition rites. His core message emphasized that success is not solely defined by intelligence or professional achievements—it must also be grounded in integrity and compassion.
Sotto encouraged the graduates to reconsider traditional notions of success, such as wealth, status, or fame. He pointed out that while some individuals may appear successful on the surface, their accomplishments are often built on unethical actions or achieved at the expense of others. He emphasized that true success should never come at the cost of one’s values or conscience.
He also acknowledged the challenges young professionals face as they enter the workforce. Idealism, he noted, is often tested and can fade in environments where ambition is prioritized over ethics. Despite this, he urged the graduates to remain firm in their principles and stay true to the values they have developed.
Addressing the issue of corruption, Sotto noted that dishonest practices have become normalized in both the public and private sectors. He cautioned against accepting unethical behavior disguised as standard procedure, stating that even commonly tolerated actions—such as under-the-table deals—remain fundamentally wrong.
Despite these difficult realities, he expressed confidence in the current generation’s potential to drive meaningful change. With access to knowledge, technology, and advocacy platforms, today’s graduates are uniquely positioned to advance progress—more rapidly and effectively than ever before.
In closing, Sotto reminded the graduates that excellence must go hand in hand with character. He encouraged them to live with integrity, to use their education to uplift others, and to never lose sight of their responsibility to serve the greater good.