In recent years it became a trend of sorts for showbiz personalities in the Philippines to render some service to the country in an official way, if not necessarily in politics. Many an actor from any of the major networks has proudly announced becoming reservists in the Armed Forces, some even gaining elite qualifications doing so. But sometimes a solid education may be all that is needed. Kapuso actor Alfred Vargas has already been serving as the inaugural Representative of Quezon City’s 5th District since 2013, but he was able to find time to push his educational achievements further, leading to his latest academic triumph.

The Philippine Star reports that Alfred Vargas has recently completed his post-graduate studies at the University of the Philippines, earning a Master’s Degree in Public Administration for that institution’s class of 2021. The actor-politician posed a photo of himself in UP post-graduate garb on his official Instagram page this past Sunday, July 25. The achievement was notable considering that Vargas graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Ateneo some two decades ago, and his studies for the MPA degree had not only Alfred’s duties as actor and QC 5th Rep for Congress to consider, but also the logistical nightmare for academia that the pandemic has wrought.

One can thank the latter (or not) for forcing Vargas’ graduation from UP-NCPAG to be held virtually. Of course, as the Kapuso star relates, there was still excitement even as he sat in front of his laptop during the virtual commencement, though it also gave him time to reflect. “Education is important but its true value is in using what you learned for the benefit of others,” Alfred wrote on captions, citing his other Alma Mater (ADMU), for teaching him that philosophy. He would go on to thank his mother for inspiration, his fellow batch-mates and fans for their support.

Aside from his incumbent Congressional term, Alfred Vargas has also served on the Quezon City Council from 2010 to 2013, as stated on his IG post. His over a decade of public service would only be enhanced by his new Master’s degree in his estimation. But aside from that, the actor also has his hands full in his latest project as a Kapuso, being one of the cast members for the upcoming series “Legal Wives,” premiering right this Monday, July 26 on GMA7’s Primetime slot.

Image from Philippine Entertainment Portal