A few weeks ago I had the privilege of joining the ceremony to recognize this year’s 10 Outstanding Students of the Philippines 2015. Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Commission on Higher Education chairperson Dr. Patricia Licuanan and RFM Foundation president Marie Concepcion-Young graced the ceremony. My father, Jose Concepcion Jr., was also present, and it was great to have him again since he missed last year’s ceremony.

After the extensive school screening, regional selection and nomination process that gathered a total of 231 nominees from all over the country, the 30 national finalists, who have not only excelled academically but have also lived a life of dedicated service and made a difference in their respective communities, organizations, and fields of interest, were proudly presented.

In my speech, I recognized the parents, teachers and school administrators in the audience. Why? Because they are the mentors and sources of wisdom for these young heroes.

With my wife, Marissa, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and Commission on Higher Education chair Dr. Patricia Licuanan

Mentorship is important as this process guides an individual to the right path with the right competencies and right values. The parents and the teachers have guided these students as they all enter the real world. That is why I also believe in the saying that “the future of the country depends on the parents and mentors.”

But still, the greatest problem we have is poverty. Despite the growing market capitalization and being one of the best countries to invest in, I feel that there is still an element lacking in ways that we can reduce poverty.

To that, I can only answer: entrepreneurship. It has given the country more jobs, especially for those former OFWs who sacrificed just to provide for their families. It has given us foreign reserves. And most especially, it has made every Filipino strive to move up in life and proven the resilience of many.

I say that education is the key to helping others. Mentorship and education contribute to an individual, making them enterprising not only as entrepreneurs but also in the other roles they will take on in the future.

RFM Foundation chairman and TOSP founder Jose S. Concepcion Jr.

Success, in a way, is really for those who want it most. Nobody can force you to become successful. Not your parents, not your teachers, not your friends. You must want it. And success, when you achieve it, you must return. Learn to give back to the community that brought you to where you are.

Successful people must help others become successful.