Chief Justice Gesmundo Challenges PLM ‘23 Graduates to be Agents of Transformation
September 28, 2023
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo delivers the keynote speech before the Class of 2023 of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila’s 55th Commencement Exercises with the theme “PLM Transformation: Quality Education for the Public Interest”. (Courtesy of the SC Public Information Office)
“The work of transformation will not be easy: you will be up against the inertia of the status quo, the fear of change, the imperfection of our systems and structures, and sometimes even our laws”.
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo spoke on the theme “PLM Transformation: Quality Education for the Public Interest” as the keynote speaker at the 55th Commencement Exercises of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila at the PICC Plenary Hall, Pasay City on September 28, 2023.
Chief Justice Gesmundo applauded the resilience of the PLM Class of 2023, acknowledging their achievements despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the broader societal issues that they have faced – “challenges like the worsening climate crisis; the upsurge of disinformation and division; the erosion of democracies and their institutions; the growing inequality and injustice in society. Yet, in the face of all these, here you are today. You are, without question, an exceptional batch of graduates”.
The Chief Justice reminded the graduates that outside the confines of their institution lies higher stakes, and more difficult paths. However, he also underscored the values of excellence, integrity, and social responsibility that their alma mater, the PLM has nurtured in them. “Add to this the values of gratitude and humility; of honesty and trustworthiness; of respect and kindness; of diligence; of patience and perseverance, and you will never lose your way”, the Chief Justice assured.
For the graduates of the College of Law, Chief Justice Gesmundo stressed the importance of service in the legal profession. He reminded them that lawyering is a service to those in need of justice and truth, and it should always prioritize public service and the administration of justice over personal gain. He highlighted the ongoing reforms in the justice system, emphasizing the core value of service that remains unchanged.
He challenged the graduates to be agents of transformation themselves, to open pathways to opportunities, “not just for ourselves and those we care about, but for our fellow human beings, especially those in the margins”.
Chief Justice Gesmundo was joined by Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez, and Associate Justice Antonio T. Kho, Jr. (Courtesy of the SC Public Information Office)
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo receives a Plaque of Appreciation from PLM Board of Regents Chair Jose Ngaw, with Atty. Relson P. Morel, Faculty Regent, Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez, Associate Justice Antonio T. Kho, Jr., Justice Hector L. Hofileña,, Dean of the Graduate School of Law, Wilma V. Galvante, Alumni Regent, and Atty. Carlo Florendo C. Castro, University Secretary. (Courtesy of the SC Public Information Office)
“In being transformed, we are called to be agents of transformation ourselves”, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo challenges the graduates of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila at its 55th Commencement Exercise at the PICC Plenary Hall, Pasay City. (Courtesy of the SC Public Information Office)
