'Nationalism That Transforms Communities'

Ayala Land SVP and Head of Leasing and Hospitality Mariana Zobel de Ayala, together with NTC and iPeople senior leaders, congratulates the Class of 2024 of National Teachers College during their commencement exercise held on August 8 at the Philippine International Convention Center

NTC has given you all the tools to cultivate a deep sense of curiosity, learning, and action. I hope that you can continue to take these tools and embrace new lessons as you go on your own journeys.

MARIANA ZOBEL DE AYALA
ALI SVP and Head of Leasing and
Hospitality

To seek purpose in everything that we do. To engage in an imaginative exercise to drive change and transformation in our communities and our country. And to embrace learning as a key part of how we lead our lives.

Speaking at the commencement exercise of National Teachers College (NTC) on August 8, Ayala Land Senior Vice President and Head of Leasing and Hospitality Mariana Zobel de Ayala challenged the graduating class to be agents of positive change by sharing three "guiding lights" that she has learned from her own work and life journey.

"Seek purpose, not passion," she began. "Passion can be fleeting, whereas purpose will drive deeper meaning and, therefore, possibly a more enduring drive."

Next, she highlighted inspiring excellence, a core value at Ayala. "Everywhere you go, try to leave people and places better than you found them. In the communities you belong to, how can you inspire excellence every day in moments big and small? How can you cultivate a shared sense of imagination for what could be better and bolder at home, in the workplace, in the country, and in society at large?"

Finally, she encouraged the graduates to "be a student forever" and nurture a lifelong commitment to learning. "Every day is going to be a lesson in the school of life," she said.

"Our workforce today needs more purpose-driven, ambitious individuals who can drive meaningful change in their own spheres of influence," she said, in closing. "As you enter the workforce in whatever fields and industries you decide to pursue, I hope that your purpose and values continue to drive how you make decisions, no matter how difficult the choices and circumstances can be."