Vice Ganda urges UP grads to champion truth, integrity, social change
MANILA, Philippines — Host Vice Ganda delivered a candid and socially charged commencement address before graduates of the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Media and Communication (UP CMC), urging the Class of 2026 to become communicators who champion truth, reject corruption, and use their platforms responsibly.
Serving as the college's guest speaker during its recognition rites, Vice reminded graduates that earning a degree from the country's premier state university comes with greater responsibility.
"Much is expected of you because you are the product of the country's premier university. You are expected to spark change, not chaos. You are expected to share your education, not disinformation," Vice said.
The television personality challenged the graduates to uphold ethical journalism and communication, saying they should never become instruments of corruption, deception, or manipulation of public opinion.
"Hindi kayo ang magsisimula ng korapsyon. Hindi kayo ang maghahasik ng kasinungalingan. Hindi kayo ang magliligaw at magmamanipula ng opinyon ng publiko. Hindi kayo ang magpapasimuno ng impunidad," the speaker said, drawing applause from the audience.
Vice Ganda also reflected on a difficult childhood marked by poverty, sharing how those experiences became a driving force behind a successful career in entertainment.
"In my case, these experiences did not break me. It started a spark inside of me. These experiences made me realize that I did not want to be poor," Vice said.
The comedian recalled making a personal commitment to change the course of life through determination and hard work.
"So I decided I would not continue to be poor. I know I needed to stand up, to step up, to hustle, to work very hard. Hindi ako sigurado kung saan at kung paano, pero kailangan kong magsimula."
While emphasizing the value of perseverance, Vice acknowledged that hard work alone is often not enough for many Filipinos because of systemic challenges.
"Mahirap maging mahirap dahil simula't sapul, tayo ay pinamumunuan ng pamahalaan na walang maayos na sistema kung paano mapagaan ang pamumuhay ng bawat Pilipino. Sa bansang ito, wala kang ibang aasahan kundi ang sarili mo."
Vice described personal success as a combination of diligence and opportunity, while pointing out that many hardworking Filipinos continue to struggle with rising living costs and low wages.
"Napakapalad ko dahil ang kasipagan ko ay dinikitan ng suwerte. Maraming Pilipino ang mahusay ngunit hindi makausad dahil mas malaki pa ang gastos kaysa sa suweldo."
Toward the end of the address, Vice reflected on the role of media professionals amid disinformation, political controversies, and the closure of ABS-CBN's free-to-air broadcast operations, saying the experience deepened the understanding of the responsibility that comes with having a public platform.
"Sa gitna ng ingay at kaguluhan... doon ko higit na naunawaan na ang aking saysay ay higit pa sa pagpapatawa, sapagkat ang aking mikropono na hawak ng aking kamay ay ang aking kapangyarihan," he said.
Vice Ganda concluded by reminding the graduates that influence carries accountability.
"At kaakibat nito ang pananagutan ko sa aking mga taga-subaybay, ang tamang paggamit sa aking boses at plataporma."
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