Acidre to BatStateU graduates: Turn knowledge into reform, move nation forward

House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and TINGOG Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre urged the graduates of Batangas State University to carry their problem-solving mindset beyond the classroom and use their knowledge, character, and professional skills to help reform institutions and improve the lives of Filipinos.

Acidre served as Guest of Honor and Speaker during BatStateU’s 58th Commencement Exercises on Monday at the Gov. Feliciano “Sanoy” Leviste Memorial Multipurpose Gymnasium, Batangas State University (Pablo Borbon Campus).

Speaking on the theme, “Propelling Transformation and Accelerating Reforms for National Development,” Acidre said BatStateU’s identity as the country’s National Engineering University carries a responsibility to form graduates who can confront problems and build meaningful solutions, regardless of their chosen profession.

“This is not just any university. This is the National Engineering University of our country. And that title carries a promise. It means BatStateU isn’t here simply to produce professionals who can find good jobs. It’s here to help engineer the future of a nation,” Acidre said.

He reminded the graduates that while education gives them the competence to enter their professions, it is their character that will determine how they use their abilities and the opportunities entrusted to them.

“Technical skill will open doors for you. But it’s your character that decides what you do once you walk through them. Talent can take you up. But it’s your values that decide whether you bring others up with you,” he said.

Acidre then challenged the Class of 2026 to ensure that what they learned would not remain confined to classrooms, reports, or theories, but would become a force for reform in communities and institutions.

“Knowledge reaches its highest purpose when it becomes action. A formula kept on paper stays a formula. A discovery that never leaves the laboratory is a possibility that never became real,” he said.

He said reform begins when people refuse to accept broken systems as permanent and instead have the courage to search for better ways of doing things.

“Kaya kapag nakasalubong ninyo ang isang lumang, sirang sistema na ipinagtatanggol lang ng mga salitang ‘Ganyan na talaga eh’—magkaroon sana kayo ng lakas ng loob na magtanong: ‘Pero may mas mabuti bang paraan?’ That question is where reform begins,” Acidre said.

For Acidre, however, reform and national development must ultimately be measured not only through policies, projects, or economic figures, but by whether progress reaches ordinary Filipinos.

“Development only means something when progress reaches people. True national development is inclusive, sustainable, and centered on human dignity,” he said.

Closing his address, Acidre called on the graduates to become a force for honest work, principled leadership, and meaningful change.

“Be the force—the thrust—that no obstacle can hold back. The force that lifts this nation. The force that moves this country forward,” Acidre said.“Transform yourselves. Translate knowledge into reform. Thrust the nation forward,” he added.