38 Filipino graduates bring hope, inspiration as new faces of Pinoys in Italy

ROME, ITALY – The strength, courage, and determination of young Filipinos in Italy are truly remarkable. Despite the challenges of life abroad, they continue to prove that nothing is impossible when a dream is pursued with unwavering commitment.

This year, the community once again celebrated the achievements of the Filipino ragazzi (youth in Italian) university graduates in Italy – young men and women who persevered, worked tirelessly, and completed their studies in various universities across the country.

For 38 graduates who form the first batch this year, this milestone is not merely the end of an academic chapter. Instead, it marks the beginning of greater aspirations for themselves, their families, and the Filipino community in Italy and beyond.

The Philippine Embassy in Italy recently held a tribute and awards ceremony for the graduates who finished their vocational, university, and post-graduate studies in top universities in Italy with top marks and distinction.

According to 2022 statistics from the Italian labor sector, only 9.4% of Filipino workers in Italy are university graduates. This highlights the significance of this celebration, as these students represent progress, opportunity, and a changing future for Filipinos in the country.

New face of Filipinos in Italy

Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial described the ceremony as a celebration of remarkable academic achievements and a powerful message of hope.

“For us in the Embassy, this initiative is more than just a ceremony – it seeks to inspire and encourage more Filipino ragazzi to pursue higher education and technical training in their chosen fields. Tonight’s honorees represent the growing diversity of university degrees being pursued by the new generation of Filipinos in Italy,” Imperial said.

He also emphasized the urgent need for stronger pathways toward educational and socio-economic advancement.

Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial at the tribute for Filipino ragazzi graduates.

Beyond low graduation rates, the Embassy noted a concerning statistic: based on over 2,100 death reports recorded in a ten-year span, the average age at death among Filipinos in Italy is only 58.2 years, significantly lower than both the Philippine and Italian averages.

“These figures remind us why we must empower the next generation,” he said. “You are the new face of Filipinos in Italy.”

“This is only Part 1”

Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr., the guest of honor, expressed deep admiration for the graduates and their families who stood by them through every challenge.

“You each have your own life story. You come from different backgrounds, and all of you have sacrificed and worked hard. But this is only Part 1. The more exciting chapter is Part 2 – your life mission, leadership, and responsibilities. Everything becomes more meaningful when it benefits others,” he said.

Maceda encouraged the young Filipino graduates to take part in nation-building by registering as voters and having their voices heard on issues affecting the Philippines, especially with the overseas voter registration now open.

A symbol of hope, progress, and support

The ceremony concluded with an emotional message from Jofeth Genita Abello, a computer science cum laude graduate (110/110 con Lode).

“I dedicate this achievement first to my mother, who made great sacrifices and faced the challenges of living in Italy for a better future for me and my sibling,” Abello said.

Guided by an inspiring IT professor, he discovered his passion for technology and evolved from a gamer to a young expert in intelligent traffic systems.

Last July, he completed his master’s degree at Sapienza University, specializing in applied artificial intelligence (AI) and systems.

He has been part of the Sapienza Space Team, representing Italy in international competitions sponsored by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA and other space institutions, focusing on the use of AI and supercomputers for medical and security advancements.

“Being a student is never easy – it requires courage, resilience, and determination. Our diplomas symbolize hope, progress, and the unwavering support of our families and community,” Abello said.

These Filipino ragazzi graduates carry honor not only for themselves but for the entire Filipino community in Italy. They are role models for the younger generation – proof that education remains the key to a brighter and more empowered future. — JMA, GMA Integrated News