“Stay open and curious. Don’t go the easy way out,” he said, warning that believing one already knows enough could lead to falling behind.
Ask questions, find solutions, create value
He encouraged scholars to develop the habit of asking questions, finding solutions and creating value wherever they go.
“Be useful. Wherever you go, ask yourself: Am I making things better? Am I solving any problems? Am I adding value?” he said.
Aboitiz also stressed adaptability as young people prepare for careers in a rapidly changing world.
“As life changes, you have to keep adapting,” he said, stressing that an open mind is essential to continuous learning.
He also urged the scholars to protect their reputation, which he described as one of the most valuable assets they can build throughout their careers.
“Take care of your reputation. Your reputation is everything that you have. Think about it well. That reputation is gold,” underscored Aboitiz. “Talent may open the door, but trust at the end of the day — that is your reputation.”
For her part, Aboitiz Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar emphasized, “Being a Future Leader is not just about being intelligent or getting good grades. It is about becoming a whole person.”
She said the program also exposes scholars to learning sessions on mental health, creating safe spaces and financial management, alongside academic and leadership development.
Scholarship beyond the classroom
During the event at AIM, DAILY TRIBUNE was able to talk with Aboitiz Future Leaders scholar Josel Bautista who graduated summa cum laude from De La Salle University with a degree in AB Political Science and minors in Marketing Strategy and Marketing Research.
In an exclusive interview, Bautista said the scholarship provided opportunities beyond financial support, allowing him to develop his leadership skills and gain internship experience.
“The scholarship became an avenue for me to learn and receive a quality education. They have been very supportive of us, not only in academics but also in extracurricular activities,” Bautista said.
Part of a wider support system
Meanwhile, graduating scholar Mary Rose Esguerra described the scholarship as part of a wider support system that helped her pursue opportunities she once considered out of reach.
Esguerra earned a degree in Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship from the University of the Philippines Los Baños and later gained internship experience with AboitizPower and Aboitiz Foods.
“Being an Aboitiz scholar was so much more than the financial support. It was the people I met, the friendships I built, and the mentors who guided me,” Esguerra said.
Ending his speech, Aboitiz reminded the scholars that the country does not only need capable people but individuals committed to continuous learning and helping others.
“Our country needs smart people, but even more, it needs good people,” he said.
“It needs good people who are willing to keep learning, to lead well, and to build something better for those that are actually coming after them.”
