Veteran Kapuso broadcast journalist Jessica Soho delivered an inspiring keynote speech at the 114th General Commencement Exercises of the University of the Philippines Diliman on Sunday. Returning to her alma mater, Soho celebrated the graduates’ academic achievements while emphasizing the honor and responsibility of being an “Iskolar ng Bayan.”
“Eh ano ngayon kung UP kayo?” Soho posed to the graduates. She encouraged them not to take such remarks as insults but rather as gentle nudges and reminders of the blessings and responsibilities that come with being part of UP.
Soho urged the Class of 2024, many of whom began their college journey during the pandemic, to continue 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 highlighted the importance of staying connected to their communities, echoing Filipino values of “loob” and “kapwa.” “Hindi mo puwedeng sabihing maganda ang loob mo kung wala kang malasakit sa kapwa,” she stated, reinforcing the idea that UP and society must work hand in hand.
The “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” journalist reminded the audience that inspiration often stems from real-life stories. She shared how relationships helped her uncover significant reports in her career, including her award-winning investigative piece, “Kidneys for Sale,” which exposed the plight of impoverished Filipinos in Tondo 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 recounted. “Because of our exposé, the government now regulates kidney donations. Bawal na, diumano, ang kidneys for sale,” she added, noting that the issue persists.
Throughout her 40-year career, Soho reflected on 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.
Soho emphasized that studying at UP means connecting learning to real-life realities. “To be humble and thankful. Oo UP kayo, huwag maging mayabang. Magpasalamat. Maging mapagkumbaba. Stay grounded. Hindi tayo naiba o nakaangat kung ‘di kaisa ng komunidad at ng lipunan,” she advised.
“Relationships are important. Your lives will be richer if you include people who are not like you,” she added, encouraging graduates to reach out beyond their circles. “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.”
In conclusion, 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.”
Soho ended her speech with a powerful message of encouragement: “Go rock the world!”