THE graduation of Health Allied Courses at the University of Perpetual Help in Biñan, Laguna was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a moment of inspiration and a call to action. Serving as guest speaker, Laguna Governor Sol Aragones delivered an empowering message to the graduates, urging them to pursue their professions with compassion and dedication. She also highlighted her administration’s strong commitment to strengthening healthcare services across the province, emphasizing the vital role of the new graduates in building a healthier Laguna.
In her address, Gov. Aragones recounted her humble beginnings as a student vendor to support her daily needs in elementary school, later completing high school as a scholar, and eventually becoming an Iskolar ng Bayan at the University of the Philippines. She began her career in media as a mail opener for ABS-CBN’s Hoy Gising segment before rising through the ranks to become a news reporter during her 13-year tenure with the network.
“Nandito ako para bigyan ng inspirasyon ang bawat isa sa inyo sa kwento ng buhay ng hirap, pagsisikap at kahit papaano’y tagumpay ni Sol Aragones,” she said, stressing that real-world lessons extend beyond academic institutions. “Ang mundo ay mas makikita nyo paglabas ng eskwelahan,” she added.
As part of her first initiatives as governor, Aragones inspected district hospitals in Bay and Calamba to personally assess their conditions. She described the situation she encountered as a “sad reality” that must be addressed. To improve accountability and public feedback, she announced the establishment of an “Isumbong mo kay Gob Help Desk” in all provincial hospitals. “Naniniwala ako ang taong masikap at masipag sa dulo may gantimpala yan,” she emphasized.
The governor also shared an encounter with a graduating student named Sarah, who approached her the previous evening while she was dining with a political colleague. The student confided how much she missed her late mother, saying she saw her mother in the governor’s presence. During their conversation, Sarah expressed her wish that Gov. Aragones could accompany her on stage during her graduation as a symbolic gesture of having a mother beside her, especially since she had promised her late mother to graduate with Latin honors in her political science course. The governor became emotional upon learning that the student was struggling with depression.
“Kailangan ko na rin simulan i-address ang mental health problem sa Lalawigan ng Laguna,” Aragones said, noting that she had already coordinated with the Association of Psychiatrists to provide free consultations for indigent residents. “Gusto ko sa Laguna may libreng psychiatrist na pupunta para makapag-consult ang mahihirap natin kababayan, para matulungan natin maisalba ang kanilang buhay,” she added.
In closing, she urged the graduates to pursue their careers with a deeper purpose beyond professional titles. “Dapat sa puso ninyo higit sa titulo dapat alam niyo ang misyon kung bakit kayo inilagay ng panginoon sa lugar na yan,” the governor said, leaving the audience with a message of resilience, service, and hope for a better future in Laguna
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