Irwin Theater, ADMU, Quezon City
20 July 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III called on every Atenean to be part of the country’s positive transformation and continue the legacy of St. Ignatius of Loyola by being a “man for others” when he led the celebration of the second Ignatian Festival at the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) in Quezon City.

As an alumnus of Ateneo himself, President Aquino said that every Atenean should not forget the teachings of St. Ignatius, who led an inspiring life and dedicated himself in serving others.

“Hindi sapat na alam mo lang ang problema — obligasyon mong makiambag sa solusyon. Kung di ka kumilos, magiging bahagi ka na rin ng problema. Hindi mo lamang binigo ang iyong kapwa — binigo mo rin ang iyong sarili at ang institusyong kumalinga’t sumuporta sa’yo,” he said.

President Aquino also took the opportunity to thank the university and his former teachers who gave him wisdom and the motivation to serve the nation better.

He said in gratitude, “itinuro sa atin ng Ateneo ang halaga ng pagwawasto sa nakikitang kamalian sa lipunan, at ang pag-aambag sa kaunlarang pang lahat.”

The Ignatian Festival, which was launched in July 2012, is an annual feast to commemorate St. Ignatius de Loyola’s birth anniversary. For this year’s celebration, the theme is “Lahing Loyola, Para sa Kapwa!” and it features different activities such as workshops, talks and exhibits participated by the whole Ateneo community.