Tovic Salvador

Article (news)

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782962643813735734999_2218606382298744_2966997873099164078_n.jpeg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Atom Araullo/Facebook</div>MANILA — Veteran broadcast journalist Atom Araullo challenged graduates of the University of the Philippines Baguio to become &quot;the right kind of difficult&quot; as they navigate life beyond the university.Speaking at the UP Baguio Class of 2026 commencement exercises, Araullo said the country needs people who are &quot;difficult to fool, difficult to buy, difficult to discourage, and difficult to turn indifferent.&quot;In his speech, Araullo urged graduates to remain critical thinkers in an age of misinformation and propaganda.&quot;We live in a time when truth has begun to feel optional,&quot; he said, warning that repeated falsehoods can eventually be mistaken for facts.Araullo said the discipline of journalism offers lessons beyond the profession itself, encouraging graduates to make a habit of asking questions such as &quot;Is this true?&quot;, &quot;Who benefits?&quot; and &quot;Who is missing from the story?&quot;He also reminded graduates that pursuing success and financial stability does not conflict with serving the country. &quot;Wanting a good life is not a betrayal of the country,&quot; he said.However, he urged them to decide early on which values are &quot;not for sale,&quot; including their integrity, compassion and commitment to fellow Filipinos.Araullo likewise addressed the pressures facing young professionals, from uncertain career prospects to the influence of social media. &quot;Be difficult to discourage, but easy to correct. That combination will save you,&quot; he said.He also reflected on inequality, noting that not everyone begins life with the same opportunities and support systems.Toward the end of his speech, Araullo paid tribute to Cordillera indigenous leader Macli-ing Dulag, who opposed the Chico River Dam Project during the Marcos dictatorship and was killed in 1980. He said Dulag&#x27;s life serves as a reminder that there are moments when people must defend their communities, principles and future generations despite personal risk.&quot;Sometimes the difficult person is not the obstacle. In a world where injustice abounds, often, the difficult person is resistance,&quot; he said.Araullo closed his address by encouraging graduates to pursue their dreams while remaining committed to truth, integrity and public service.&quot;The country does not need more &#x27;successful&#x27; people who are pleasant, polished, and harmless,&quot; he said. &quot;It needs people who are difficult to fool, difficult to buy, difficult to discourage, difficult to turn indifferent.&quot;Araullo later shared the full text of his commencement speech on social media, congratulating the UP Baguio Class of 2026 and expressing hope that listeners would find something useful in its message.

Veteran broadcast journalist Atom Araullo challenged graduates of the University of the Philippines Baguio to become "the right kind of difficult" as they navigate life beyond the university.

Veteran broadcast journalist Atom Araullo challenged graduates of the University of the Philippines Baguio to become "the right kind of difficult" as they navigate life beyond the university.

Atom Araullo urges UP Baguio graduates to be 'the right kind of difficult'

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

People, Culture, and Events

Atom Araullo urges UP Baguio graduates to be 'the right kind of difficult'

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

Published July 02, 2026 11:28 AM PHT

Read More:

Atom Araullo

UP Baguio

graduation

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.