Hontiveros to grads: “Be bold, take risks”

CEBU, Philippines —  Overcoming fear has been crucial to the mission of Senator Risa Hontiveros in the Senate, particularly in addressing the identity fraud case of suspended Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac.

Hontiveros addressed this to the 379 first batch of "pandemic graduates" of the University of the Philippines-Cebu during the 85th Commencement Exercises held yesterday.

"I could've given up running for the Senate after my first loss, but I tried again and lost again and tried once again. Now, I'm running after individuals posing as Filipinos who run for Mayor," Hontiveros said.

She mentioned that she would have missed countless opportunities if she had let her fears control her and had not kept trying. She said she would not be where she is today if she had been afraid of making mistakes.

Her experiences reflect those of the batch 2024 graduates, who overcame the pandemic and have not experienced a face-to-face graduation during their time in Senior High School.

"Sana baunin ninyo ang lakas na pilit na inipon ninyo these four years of hard study sa ilalim ng napakahirap na sirkumstansya," Hontiveros said.

She added that their collective commitment and resilience should continue beyond the university walls as they move forward despite unprecedented setbacks.

Hontiveros gave the graduates a "major life hack" they could use after overcoming the challenges of university life.

"Don't be afraid to make mistakes, don't let fears defeat or paralyze you. Be bold, take risks," she said.

She reminded the graduates that they have to change the way they think, seeing mistakes as steps to learn and grow.

"One thing I learned is that rejections can be turned into redirections. Was it difficult? Yes. Was it painful? Yes. Is it worth it? Of course," Hontiveros stated.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview, Hontiveros remains optimistic about the current "Alice Guo" satire circulating on social media and even adapted in teleseryes.

She referred to the history of Filipinos, who are unafraid of their enemies and often use humor to cause a stir.

Hontiveros added that satire is a powerful weapon for Filipinos to expose criminals and highlight current issues in the Philippines, which serve as a tool for change.

"Yung satire malakas na sandata natin para ipamukha sa kanila na hindi tayo naniniwala sa kanila at sa halip ay ito yung alam natin na totoo at ito yung ating balak gawin para sa pagbabago at para sa kabutihan," she added.

She emphasized that the satire phenomenon is "welcome" as it brings political issues into the popular culture and consciousness of Filipinos, hoping that it will contribute to continued change and unity among all Filipinos.

"Umaasa ako na magiging sangkap ito sa patuloy na pagbubuo sa pagkakaisa nating mga Pilipino na magbuo ng mas totoong representative at accountable at demokratikong politika," Hontiveros stated.

TV programs such as "Going Bulilit" of ABS-CBN and "Abot Kamay na Pangarap" of GMA produced satire skits and dramas that encapsulate the complex life of "Alice Guo," which mirrors Hontiveros' message of not being afraid, particularly in exposing societal issues. – Donna Rose Egos/FPL (FREEMAN)