Vice President Leni Robredo’s advice for the youth during the World Population Day event at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila was something that could’ve come straight out of your favorite tita‘s mouth.
Do not rush love, she said.
The speech titled “Education: The Silver Bullet” was delivered by her daughter Aika on the vice president’s behalf.
VP Leni wasn’t able to deliver the speech because she attended her first Cabinet meeting in Malacañang as the Duterte administration’s housing czar, Inquirer reports.
The youth, Robredo said, can help the country become the 17th biggest economy in the world by 2050.
How? Through education.
“Education is key. Do not underestimate the power of a good education. Going to school every day with your big books, dealing with the pressure of homeworks and projects, faced with the emotional ups and downs of seeing (and not seeing) your crushes, can sometimes feel like the worst years of your life” Robredo’s speech read.
Being a mother of three young women, Leni seems to know the struggles of the youth. In between her pieces of advice, she shared stories about love and experiences with her late husband, Jesse Robredo.
“There is a time and place for romantic love. Finding your truest love is one of the most important aspects of a life well-lived. But it is important to find yourself first, before you give yourself to somebody else.”
“And when you do, your SO (significant other) must love you enough to give you space to help you keep on redefining yourself and letting you reach your truest potential.”
Robredo herself married young.
After she graduated college in 1986, she married Jesse shortly after. With the support of her husband, she was still able to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree from San Beda College and a Law degree from University of Nueva Caceres.
“Education is the silver bullet. I repeat: make these years count. Study hard. There is no limit to excellence — not age, not gender,” she emphasized.
To end her speech, Leni had a special message for young women.
“Embrace the soft power of your femininity. There is strength in being a girl. You are the hope for our nation’s transformation. Make us proud!”
