Jessica Soho challenges UP Diliman graduates to be worthy of being 'Iskolar ng Bayan'

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Jessica Soho delivered an inspiring keynote speech at the 114th General Commencement Exercises of the University of the Philippines Diliman on Sunday.

The veteran Kapuso broadcast journalist returned to her alma mater not only to celebrate the graduates' academic achievements but also to issue a call to action on the honor and responsibility of being an "Iskolar ng Bayan."

"Eh ano ngayon kung UP kayo?" Soho asked.

"Kapag may nagsabi sa inyo nito, don't be triggered, don't take it as an insult, but a gentle nudge, challenge or reminder na, 'Yes, UP tayo, what a blessing, but it is also a responsibility.'"

Soho encouraged the Class of 2024, many of whom began college during the pandemic, to keep using their voices to inspire change.

"With your voice, baka naman, may pag-asa na. Maybe you are the change we've long been waiting for," she said.

She also urged graduates to stay connected to their communities, echoing the Filipino values of "loob" and "kapwa."

"Hindi mo puwedeng sabihing maganda ang loob mo kung wala kang malasakit sa kapwa," she said.

"UP and society must go hand in hand. We are not above the people, we are part of them," she added.

The "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" journalist reminded the crowd that inspiration often comes from real-life stories. She shared how relationships helped her uncover some of the most important reports in her career.

She recalled her award-winning investigative piece, "Kidneys for Sale," which exposed how impoverished Filipinos in Tondo were selling their organs to survive.

"I would not have stumbled on another story if an old acquaintance did not trust me enough to lead me and my team to one of the poorest neighborhoods in Tondo, where poor men sell their kidneys," she said.

"Because of our exposé, the government now regulates kidney donations. Bawal na, diumano, ang kidneys for sale," she added. "Update: marami pa rin ang nagbebenta ng kidney."

Throughout her 40-year career, Soho also highlighted some of her most memorable media coverages, including the Afghanistan war in 2002, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the 1990 Baguio earthquake, the Ormoc flash floods in 1991, and Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

"Relationships are important. Your lives will be richer if you include people who are not like you," she added. "Reach out to more people, get out of your own circles or silos or echo chambers."

"Sa panahon ngayon na lahat tayo meron nang boses, na puwede pang i-amplify o palakasin sa pamamagitan ng social media, kailangan din nating makinig and listen well."

As she concluded her speech, Soho urged graduates to keep asking questions, disrupt what is broken, and use their privilege for good.

"You have the skills, the tools, and technology. Use them for good. But yes, toughen up," she said.

"No one becomes an expert overnight, and to learn is to fail. So keep trying, don't crumble," she added.

Soho ended with a short but powerful message of encouragement to the graduates: "Go rock the world!"

—Hermes Joy Tunac/Mariel Celine Serquina/MGP, GMA Integrated News