Alfred Vargas graduates as valedictorian, urges urban planners to lead with kindness

Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas delivered a powerful message to fellow graduates and new urban planners on Saturday, urging them to integrate kindness and compassion into their vital role in shaping cities.

Speaking at the University of the Philippines Diliman’s School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP) Recognition Rites 2025, Vargas emphasized that effective urban planning must go beyond technical expertise, requiring a deep sense of humanity to create livable and inclusive communities.

Vargas was named valedictorian of the Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) program at UP Diliman's SURP, earning the highest academic standing with a general weighted average (GWA) of 1.0288. He was awarded the Dean's Medallion.

In his speech, Vargas said: “This graduation is meaningless if we choose indifference over kindness, if we prioritize ourselves over others, or if we abandon our principles and the fight for what is right.”

“Technical knowledge or deep expertise is not enough to be an urban planner — we need heart and compassion,” he declared.

Vargas stressed that kindness is at the core of “compassion, good governance, standing for social justice, respect for equality, and recognition of the dignity of each person.”

He further explained that without kindness, urban planners cannot find sustainable and inclusive solutions to the most urgent urban challenges such as overpopulation, housing shortages, environmental degradation, poor infrastructure, traffic congestion, social inequality, and more.

“Go beyond tokenistic public consultations. Genuinely listen to and empower diverse community voices, especially those often marginalized, in the planning process,” he urged fellow graduates.

Drawing from his experience in public service, Vargas emphasized the value of listening and standing for what is right. He cited the successful passage of his legacy ordinance — the creation of the Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs Office — as well as his work in Congress pushing for the long-awaited National Integrated Cancer Control Act. Both measures, he said, were the result of genuine public participation and community engagement.

“Listening and standing for what is right is truly very important,” Vargas noted.

He concluded by calling for a new generation of urban planners: “Let this graduation be a natural ending to our graduate course and the beginning of a new breed of Filipino urban planners who can lead with kindness, expertise, and character.”

“Nothing is impossible and everything is achievable when we spread kindness,” he added, emphasizing that planning decisions must reduce inequality and promote social equity, recognizing the dignity of every individual.

A committed public servant, actor, and scholar, Vargas completed the rigorous 26-unit DURP program over two years. He also holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from UP Diliman’s National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) and an AB Management Economics degree from Ateneo de Manila University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning at SURP.