Lingkod Kapamilya Head Tells FU Grads:

‘Go Make a Difference’

“Think and dream big. Only you can place limits on what you
can achieve and who you can become,” said Susanna
Bautista-Afan, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation as she
addressed the close to a thousand graduates of Foundation
University last March 17 at the Green.

Afan delivered her inspiring speech during year’s joint

commencement exercises which highlighted the first
graduates of the senior high program as well as, the debut of
the University’s own modernized “sablay” as an academic
replacing the Western-influenced gowns and caps for the
graduates of college to post-graduate degrees.

During her commencement address, Afan inspired the

graduates to pursue their calling. For her, considering your
job as a calling will take people to places and will maximize
potentials.

After working abroad for 30 years, Afan was about to enjoy

her retirement here in the Philippines. But her life and views
were changed upon hearing an abused child through a phone
call she took as one of the volunteers of Bantay Bata – one of
the programs inside the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya
Foundation. On that moment, she felt that her calling was to
help people who are in need here in the country.

Afan shared that she could not afford to enjoy retirement

while many people would need her help. This began her work
journey with the Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation which for her,
is a calling.

Sharing her experience on recruitment while working abroad,

she pointed out that Filipinos are considered one of the very
best workers in the world. And from there, she encouraged
them to be the best in their respective fields.

She even mentioned that skilled workers should be proud of

what they do because according to Afan, plumbers and
electricians also earn as much as the nurses abroad.

Skilled workers are often looked down for what they do to

earn especially here in the country. “I hope that one day we
can change this culture,” said Afan who looks up to Filipino
skilled workers.

Meanwhile, she also lauded Foundation University in its

pursuits for the protection of the environment and for
promoting environment awareness among its students and in
the greater community. Afan was amazed at how efforts were
made to build an arboretum, plant thousands of trees and the
paperless practices of the institution.

She then urged the graduates to take with them that lifelong
gift given by FU especially with environmental consciousness.

Also, Afan shared, “Interpersonal skills are important in life

and career.” She added that the graduates must use their
gifts, in relation to their calling, and most importantly, to love
and develop their own self.

“Choose to be happy. Go make a difference,” Afan said as an

end note to her speech for the graduates with an emphasis
on calling and service to others.

Susanna Bautista - Afan is the current Managing Director and

Board of Trustees Member of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya
Foundation (formerly known as ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.) -
the socio civic arm of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Network.
Susan Bautista-Afan was named in 2015 by the Filipina
Women’s Network in the United States as one of the most
influential Filipinas around the globe.

Formerly, she worked with Robert Half International based in

Southern California as one of the District Presidents apart
from other key leadership positions she held in the said
international recruitment company.

Currently, she also serves as the co-anchor of Kapamilya

Konek, a family-oriented radio program aimed at
reconnecting families and providing opportunities for learning
in the aspects of parenting, livelihood and financial literacy.

Afan completed her communication degree from Ateneo de

Manila in 1980.