• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Army chief Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete urged graduates of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) to remain vigilant against individuals and groups that use propaganda and deception to recruit supporters during the university’s 2026 Recognition Program on June 3.
Nafarrete, an alumnus of the WVSU Integrated Laboratory School Batch 1986, who served as the guest of honor and speaker during university’s 2026 Recognition Program, emphasized to awardees and graduates that they were fortunate to have studied in a prestigious and globally recognized institution, made possible in many cases through government support and scholarship programs.
“You are very fortunate enough to be attending a prestigious, globally recognized university, a privilege made possible by your government scholarship,” Nafarrete said. “Never fall victim to those who have dark intentions and aim to lead you astray through propaganda and deception.”
He warned students against individuals or organizations that use manipulation, misleading narratives, and enticing promises to influence young people toward their causes.
The Army chief also expressed optimism about the country’s future, saying the graduates represent hope and demonstrate the potential of the nation’s youth.
Quoting national hero Dr. Jose Rizal’s famous line, “The youth is the hope of the nation,” Nafarrete, an Ilonggo, said the students’ achievements should serve not only as personal milestones but also as contributions to nation-building.
Drawing from his military career, he stressed that success is measured not by rank or title but by leadership and collaboration. He shared what he described as his five pillars of leadership: nurturing talent, maintaining morale, prioritizing health, pursuing continuous education, and ensuring financial stability.
He encouraged the graduates to move forward with purpose, armed with character, determination, persistence, and faith.
Amid the controversy surrounding his selection as recognition speaker, Nafarrete also addressed concerns raised by some sectors of the university community.
He said WVSU promotes critical thinking and open discussion, emphasizing that education involves listening to different perspectives, asking respectful questions, and evaluating ideas based on principles.
According to Nafarrete, inviting him to speak does not necessarily mean the university endorses every action of any institution he represents. Rather, he said, it reflects the school’s commitment to academic freedom and recognition of its alumni’s accomplishments.
The Army chief appealed to the public not to allow controversy to overshadow the celebration of the graduates’ achievements.
Before the ceremony, several WVSU students wore black ribbons on their uniforms as a symbol of protest against Nafarrete’s selection as speaker. The WVSU Student Council and several student organizations had earlier expressed opposition, citing alleged controversies linked to military operations under his administration.
Meanwhile, WVSU President Joselito Villaruz defended the decision to invite Nafarrete, saying the choice was based on his accomplishments and contributions as one of the university’s distinguished alumni.*
