Stand up, go beyond and work together: Mayor Vico Sotto’s inspiring message to ASMPH Class of 2024

The recently concluded graduation of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) Class of 2024 was marked by the presence of a speaker who embodies the ideals of good governance and public service—Mayor Victor Ma Regis “Vico” Nubla Sotto. Introduced by ASMPH Dean Dr Cenon “Dodie” Alfonso, Mayor Sotto’s journey in public service was highlighted, underscoring his role as a symbol of transparency, integrity, and dedication to be of service to the country.

Dean Alfonso painted a portrait of Mayor Sotto’s path, from earning his Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 2011 to his Master’s Degree in Public Management from Ateneo de Manila University. His early engagement in public service, marked by his advocacy for transparency, led to his election as a city councilor in Pasig, where he was instrumental in establishing the first local Freedom of Information ordinance in Metro Manila. This commitment to open governance set the stage for his election as Mayor of Pasig in 2019, where he has since transformed the city into a model of governance, earning international acclaim, including the prestigious Anti-Corruption Award from the US in 2021. Re-elected in 2022, Mayor Sotto continues to drive forward his vision of good governance for Pasig City.

In his commencement address, Mayor Sotto expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the partnership between ASMPH and the Pasig City government. The ASMPH campus is located in Pasig and some of the students are able to complete their internship program in the community of Barangay Sta Lucia also in Pasig.  

He recalls visiting ASMPH during the pandemic to observe how the campus has prepared to reopen for onsite classes. He commended the resilience of the graduates because they were forced to adjust to the changes brought about by the pandemic, shifting to online learning and then back to onsite again. He highlighted the inspiring Valedictory address by Lance Gill Mendoza Tolentino, the ASMPH Valedictorian of 2024, noting that many of Lance’s sentiments echoed his own. He drew parallels between the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and the broader societal issues that the government is striving to address.

Mayor Sotto shared his insights on the current state of society. He used the example of everyday corruption, where even the thought of bribing a traffic enforcer might cross one’s mind in the Philippines, but not when they are in other countries like Singapore or Japan. This, he argued, is a reflection of the systemic issues that pervade various sectors, including healthcare. “[Corruption] is deeply ingrained in our culture...whether in the government or the private sector.” 

Because of the lack of healthcare, he sees a long line of people asking for financial assistance everyday. “Nagmamalimos, nagmamakaawa ang ating mga kababayan para makatanggap ng konting tulong. Mas madalas pa kesa sa hindi, kulang pa ang maiaabot ng ating gobyerno.” Pasig City has already done so much to introduce Universal Health Care (UHC) but acknowledged that the road ahead is long and challenging. “We still have a long way to go,” he admitted. “[We need to] move towards good governance, good health care governance, towards UHC, we will have equitable health services for all - walang magkakasakit at mamamatay dahil wala siyang access or dahil kulang siya sa pera.” 

Sotto mentioned the problems and challenges but emphasized the unique opportunity that lies ahead for the new generation of healthcare professionals. He believes that their generation has the potential to enact rapid, exponential changes that can lead to a more equitable and just society. However, he posed a critical question to the graduates: “will you be part of the problem or part of the solution?”

He offered key pieces of advice to the graduates:

1. Stand Up for Your Convictions and the Truth: Mayor Sotto urged the graduates to be steadfast in their beliefs and to fight against disinformation: “I hope that as graduates of ASMPH, that you will stand up for your convictions, that you will stand up for the truth. Will you stand up when there are pressures [around you]?”  He stressed the importance of standing firm in the face of pressure and challenges.

2. Go Beyond What is Expected: Sotto encouraged the graduates to exceed expectations and push the boundaries of what is considered possible. He shared his experience as Mayor, where he and his team chose to regularize employees despite the political risks, proving that even the seemingly impossible can be achieved with determination. “I was able to do that because [we] said, ‘No, we will do more than what is expected of us, we will do more than what is required’. The things that they say are impossible in the field of healthcare, do it anyway!”

3. Work Together to Overcome the System: Acknowledging the pervasive nature of corruption and systemic challenges, Sotto emphasized the importance of collaboration. He reminded the graduates that no one can succeed alone, especially when aiming to make significant changes. The bonds formed with their classmates will be crucial in their professional journey, providing support and strength in the face of adversity. "You’re very lucky because the people sitting with you now, yan ang magiging kasangga niyo hanggang sa pag retiro niyo. Wag niyo silang bibitawan. Dahil pagdating ng mga pagsubok, sila rin ang inyong masasandalan.” 

He goes on to say that a daunting task such as making changes for the country is only possible when working together. In the government, they often ask themselves: “paano kaya tayo hindi makakain ng sistema?” It would probably be easier to conform, to do what everyone else is doing. To this, he says: “The only way is if I do it together with people with the same principles and beliefs.”

Mayor Sotto’s address was a powerful call to action for the ASMPH Class of 2024. His message was clear: the future of healthcare in the Philippines depends on the commitment, integrity, and collaboration of its new generation of leaders. As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, they carry with them the responsibility to be catalysts for change, to stand up for what is right, and to work together to building a brighter future for all Filipinos. He acknowledged that the desire to serve was already deeply ingrained in their hearts and minds. “As graduates of Ateneo, those Atenean values have been inculcated in us. We are always reminded: For the greater glory of God…Magis!”

“Congratulations, Class of 2024!” he concluded. As his words echoed through the hall, the graduates and the audience rose to their feet, giving him a standing ovation.