CinemaBravo

Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas emerged as the valedictorian of the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP) Class of 2025, dedicating his academic milestone to his late manager, Lolit Solis.

Vargas topped the Diploma on Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) program at UP Diliman, earning the highest academic distinction with a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 1.0288. In recognition of his outstanding performance, he was conferred the prestigious Dean’s Medallion.

The graduation rites took place at the UP Film Center last Saturday, where Vargas delivered a heartfelt valedictory speech. He turned emotional as he paid tribute to his longtime manager, fondly known as Manay Lolit, who passed away just days before the ceremony. Their professional relationship spanned 21 years, and Vargas dedicated his diploma to her memory.

“Nay Lolit, para sa ‘yo ang tagumpay na ito,” Alfred expressed tearfully. (Nanay Lolit, this triumph is for you.)

The 5th District Councilor also extended his gratitude to his wife Yasmine and their children—Alexandra, Aryana, Cristiano, and Aurora—for their unwavering support and understanding.

In his speech, Councilor Vargas underscored the importance of having heart and compassion in the practice of urban planning. He called on his fellow graduates and newly minted urban planners to infuse kindness into their work in shaping communities.

“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,” Alfred stated.

“Walang halaga ang ating pagtatapos kung hindi natin isasabuhay ang kabutihan at kagandahan ng loob. Simple pero totoo. Walang halaga ang lahat ng ito kung tayo ay mananatiling bulag at manhid sa mga nangyayaring kasinungalingan, katiwalian, pati na rin ang malawak na kahirapan,” he added in his valedictory address.

(Our graduation means nothing if we don’t live with kindness and goodness of heart. It’s simple but true. All of this means nothing if we remain blind and numb to the lies, corruption, and widespread poverty happening around us.)

“Hindi sapat ang ating mga kamay. Kailangan natin ng puso,” Alfred further affirmed. (Our hands are not enough. We need heart.)

“Hindi sapat ang teknikal na kaalaman o malalim na expertise para maging urban planner—kailangan natin ng puso at malasakit.” (Technical knowledge or deep expertise alone is not enough to be an urban planner—we need heart and compassion.)

Alfred emphasized that kindness is the root of “malasakit, good governance, paninindigan para sa social justice, paggalang sa pagkapantay-pantay, at pagkilala sa dignidad ng bawat isa.” (compassion, good governance, standing for social justice, respect for equality, and recognition of each person’s dignity)

He stressed the importance of kindness in tackling urgent urban issues:
“Without kindness, we cannot find sustainable and inclusive solutions to the pressing challenges in urban planning—overpopulation, housing shortages, inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, traffic congestion, urban blight, resource scarcity, poor health and safety, substandard education, 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,” Alfred urged his fellow graduates.

Drawing from his own experience as a public servant, Alfred shared the value of pakikinig at paninindigan sa tama. (listening and standing up for what is right) He cited the establishment of the Quezon City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) in 2011, which stemmed from sincere listening to the PWD community, conducting democratic consultations, and practicing participatory governance. To date, it has produced 25,000 PWD IDs and distributed assistive devices to around 4,000 beneficiaries.

He added that the same participatory approach helped him pass the National Integrated Cancer Control Act during his term as a congressman.

Councilor Alfred concluded his speech with a message to the 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 said, emphasizing that planning decisions must aim to reduce disparities, promote social equity, and uphold the dignity of every individual.

A dedicated public servant, actor, and scholar, Alfred excelled in the rigorous two-year, 26-unit DURP program, which equips graduates to address complex urban and regional challenges. This academic milestone adds to his long list of credentials, including a degree in AB Management Economics from Ateneo de Manila University (2002) and a Master’s in Public Administration from UP Diliman’s National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) in 2021.

Currently, Alfred continues his academic journey as a PhD candidate in Urban and Regional Planning at SURP.