𝗚𝗼𝘃. 𝗣𝗮𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗧𝗨 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗜 𝗮𝗴𝗲
Gov. Pam Baricuatro urged graduates of Cebu Technological University (CTU) San Fernando Campus to remain guided by compassion, integrity and empathy as they navigate an increasingly artificial intelligence-driven world, saying these are qualities that technology can never replace.
“Despite all of its capabilities, there are still so many things AI will never replace. It cannot replace compassion. It cannot replace integrity. It cannot replace empathy,” Gov. Baricuatro said.
“It cannot replace the warmth of encouraging someone who is about to give up, the comfort of being present for another person, or the trust that is built through genuine relationships,” she added.
Gov. Baricuatro delivered the message as commencement speaker during the university’s graduation rites on Monday, July 6, where 232 students from the College of Technology and the College of Teacher Education received their degrees.
This year’s commencement carried the theme, “The Technologist’s Heart: Fostering Human Connection in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” highlighting the university’s commitment to producing professionals who pair technical competence with social responsibility.
While acknowledging AI’s role in improving efficiency and productivity, the governor reminded the graduates that technology has limits.
“I believe that the greatest technology will always be one that improves lives while preserving our humanity. So wherever life takes you after today, never lose that human heart. May your intelligence open doors, but may your character be the one to keep those doors open,” she said.
The governor also warned against the rapid spread of misinformation and toxic online discourse, urging the Class of 2026 to become responsible digital citizens who use technology to solve problems, promote truth and build bridges instead of creating division.
“The future doesn’t simply need smarter people. It needs kinder people. It needs honest leaders. It needs professionals who remember that behind every piece of data, every algorithm, and every innovation is a human life,” she said.
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