ACTOR-politician Alfred Vargas has fulfilled a promise he made years back to his late mother -- to pursue graduate studies.
Vargas, who is the incumbent representative of Quezon City’s fifth district, earned his master’s degree in public administration from the University of the Philippines-National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG). He announced this recent milestone on the day of his virtual graduation on July 25.
“This is a very big deal for me kasi hindi madali. Napakalaking challenge,” Vargas shared, adding he has to juggle his work as a public servant and as a student in UP in the middle of a global pandemic.
It was in 2002 when Vargas entered the entertainment industry right after graduating from college in Ateneo de Manila University. Her mother, Atty. Susana “Ching” Vargas, initially didn’t approve of him being in showbiz.
“Nung pag graduate ko kasi sa Ateneo in 2002, imbes na mag law school ako dumiretso ako sa pag artista, my mother is a lawyer, so medyo nagalit siya sa akin. Pero nung napanood na niya ako sa TV, sabi niya okay lang, kahit hindi na ako mag law school, just pursue graduate studies. I promise her that in 2002. Ngayon 2021, this is a promise fulfilled to my mom (When I graduated in Ateneo in 2002, instead of taking law school, I chose a different path which is showbiz. My mother, who is a lawyer, was somehow disappointed of me at first but when she saw me doing good on TV, she just asked me to pursue graduate studies. I promise her that in 2002. And I finally made it in 2021, this is a promise fulfilled to my mom),” he said.
Vargas said he could not have made it if it weren’t because of his mother’s inspiration, guidance, and discipline.
“Mommy, I fulfilled my promise to you. I wish you lived to see this promise fulfilled,” he said.
Moving forward, Vargas’s next goal is to earn a doctorate degree on urban planning.
The actor-politician also encourages his fellow artists to pursue studies in the field of their choice.
“If you can and if you have the time. Go ahead. Continue your education, especially in our time now, it is really an edge if you have a specialization. The knowledge and skills you’ll acquire along the way will be worth it,” he shared.
After his term in 2022, Vargas said he will rest for a while in politics and focus more on his businesses and acting.
“I think it’s about time to let others do it. I’ve been a politician for over a decade and I think now is the time for other leaders like my brother, councilor Patrick Michael "PM" Vargas,” he said.
Vargas then thanked everyone who joined him in his journey especially his wife Yasmine who was very hands on in raising their children and taking good care of their family.