CBCP tells new grads to be tools of peace, unity

MANILA, Philippines - The leader of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has urged the new graduates of batch 2013 to be instruments of good, unity, peace and hope.

CBCP president and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said the new batch of graduates should  be conscious of their responsibilities and duties as good citizens.

"Sana nga po this will become an occasion for us to make the world a better place, influence the people for the better and become an instrument of hope and also of good will for other people.

"So sa inyong lahat congratulations and may the  privilege of education become an opportunity and as well as a responsibility to make this wonderful place to live in or at least make an effect of goodwill, brotherhood and peace among  peoples of community," Palma told Church-run Radyo Veritas.

He also reminded the new graduates that finishing college is a "gift" because many could not afford to go to universities and higher education institutions.

"Sa ating mga graduates congratulations, alam naman po natin na 'not all have the privilege of going to school' kaya nga sa inyong lahat congratulations.

"Alam po natin na it is a blessing, it is a privilege, sana nga po in the  near future you have the opportunity to work but for the meantime thank God of the blessing of education and know that the gifts also become a responsibility," he added. - Dennis Carcamo