Education Secretary Sonny Angara challenged the 2025 graduates of UP Mindanao to use their state-funded education to address inequality and serve underserved communities in the region.
Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data, he highlighted that eight of the ten provinces with the lowest functional literacy rates are in Mindanao, with one in three residents in Tawi-Tawi unable to fully comprehend reading and numeracy tasks.
Angara stressed that these statistics are a call for equity and inclusion, not an indictment, urging graduates to contribute to Mindanao’s development instead of leaving the region.
He shared his recent experience bringing electricity and internet to remote communities as an example of progress and hope.
Angara ended his speech by reminding graduates to live out their legacy by actively helping heal and uplift their communities beyond just earning their diplomas.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 11, 2025
