Chemist, entrepreneur, sustainability advocate and business leader Pinky Pe Tobiano inspired more than 800 graduates of the College of Science Batch 2026 of University of Santo Tomas (UST), as she delivered her heartfelt commencement address entitled, “Thomasian Dreamer: From Vision to Victory.”
The graduation ceremony became even more meaningful as Regent Pedregosa and Dean Rey Donne Papa formally presented Tobiano with a Certificate of Recognition for her inspiring message to the graduating class.
In her speech, Tobiano shared her journey of perseverance, sacrifice and faith — from dreaming of becoming a chemist at the age of five to building successful companies under the One Progressive Group, including Progressive Laboratories, KPP Powers Commodities Inc., Qualibet, AgriPanalo and Swiss Proli Natural.
Addressing the graduates, Tobiano emphasized that success is not measured only by wealth or accomplishments, but by the lives one is able to touch and transform.
“For the past 28 years, my journey has never only been about business,” Tobiano shared. “It has always been about purpose, service, and giving back.”
Beyond entrepreneurship, Tobiano highlighted her advocacies dedicated to helping abandoned elderly through the Pinky Cares Foundation, where she has spent decades supporting and caring for vulnerable senior citizens.
She also spoke about her active involvement with the Laguna Lake Development Authority through the “Abot Kamay sa Laguna de Bay” program, where she leads monthly coastal cleanups, sustainability projects and environmental initiatives to help protect Laguna de Bay and support local fisherfolk communities.
Tobiano reminded the graduates to uphold Thomasian values of integrity, compassion, faith and excellence.
Quoting St. Thomas Aquinas, she said, “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”
Her speech received a strong applause from graduates, faculty members and guests, leaving the Thomasian Class of 2026 with a powerful message of courage, purpose, resilience and service to humanity.
Tobiano is also a TOAST (Total Outstanding Alumni of Science Tribute) awardee 2022, the highest award that UST College of Science gives to a graduate for business, entrepreneurship and industry practice.