A Time for Reflection June 12, 2005

By Cindy V. Rumbaoa
Magna cum laude
Bachelor in Political Science

International Relations, 2003
Speech delivered during the Commencement Exercises
Held on May 9, 2003 at the Folk Arts Theater
CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

Our esteemed guest speaker, Dr. Reynato D. Sarmiento, Honorable members of the Board of Regents, Honorable Officer in Charge of the University Dr. Samuel M. Salvador, Distinguished Deans, Esteemed Professors Parents, friends, fellow graduates Good morning!

Let me begin by mentioning a quote from Aristotle – the quintessential Greek philosopher and acknowledge father of political science. He one said, “the root of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet”. I certainly agree with this gem of wisdom, but I need to add a little more to make my speech more fulfilling today. Permit me to rephrase his quote which reads “the roots of education are bitter but the fruit is sweet, until you are awarded an honor and as to deliver a speech about it”.

As I know I look at the multitude of faces staring at me some are anxious, I am sure that many are excited and, others with lingering questions, I cannot help but set aside my fair share of pretenses. Today is day of happiness, a day to celebrate a wonderful accomplishment, a day to share a milestone achievement with those who truly deserve to witness the fruition of thy hard labor, toil and sweat. Fellow graduates, let me invite you to put our hands together for our lovely parents, for our generous relatives, for our PUP professors and officials, for the lowly paid clerks and janitors. Kung wala siguro ang masisipag na janitors, baka sa PUP unang tumubo ang kinakatakutang SARS “sobrang alinlangan sa rumaragasang sakuna”. From the bosom of my heart, to all the people who are here gather this morning – many thanks to you all.

When I was informed that I will be delivering a valedictory speech for today, our esteemed Dean at the College of Economics, Finance and Politics, Dr. Roman R. Dannug, called and asked me if I had any experience in delivering a speech in stage. I said NONE SIR! In the course of our conversation, he asked me again if I got honors when I was in high school. I politely replied the negative. He got surprised, and asked me “how could you be so good that you will now receive and honor and honor with the highest grade among magna-cum-laudes of your batch, when you get no honors at all during pre-college schooling? How could you have accomplished such a feat?”

That questions struck me hard. How, in heaven sake, have I accomplish such a feat? I myself do not even know how I have made it to the top. I search for explanations to answer the question of Dean Dannug – a beautiful question about life’s struggle, and life’s achievements of young people like me. I once remember a quotation from a Danish philosopher named Kirekegaard who said, “life can only be understood backward but must be live forward”. Remembering from this moving and timeless quotation, I deeply reflected to look back, and think about life to answer the beautiful question.

Growing up in a family of five is not exactly easy. My father works in the service industry and my mother is a regular housewife who both have to feed five children and send them to school. I believe, I have studied well in PUP but until now I do not know how much a regular housewife receives from a regular father just so life to us becomes regular. Until now, that is indeed a regular puzzle to me. How can serious scarcity of resources make life regular? I wonder if life to many is regularly poor and to the poor, regularly rich.

I got my elementary education at Kapitan Moy nElementary School in Brgy. Sta. Elena, Marikina City and finished High School at Roosevelt College, Cainta Rizal. This schools, not built upon the portals and standards of the rich and powerful have certainly become a very good ground for me to excel whenever opportunities cross my way. Life was always relatively difficult for me and my family, given our socio-economic background and capability. With so much scarcity, so much limitations, so much problems, I then realize that life, for it to move to the top and for life to shape for the better, must be nurtured, must be nourished with the best of dreams, with the most desired of an ambition, and with the handsomest of an attitude. I am greatly inspired by the fact that it is not attitude alone, but aptitude polished by a positive attitude that brings one to a higher altitude.

There are times when my parents have to sacrifice the rare luxuries they should enjoy. But their love for the education of their kids obviously ruled over the desire for mall luxury. I again ask, why must our parents suffer just so we can get a college diploma? Sometimes, I just have murmur that life is not fair. And the surprise of it all is that my parents never complain about life’s inequities. Instead I saw in them the virtue of sacrifice so that others will be happy. This is one lesson in life that each one of us can make a perpetual legacy to make a happy family and help build a peaceful society.

Truly, I could not imagine how my parents managed a very limited resources in order to send all of five children to school at the same time. I could still remember those moments when I could not concentrate on my studies because I did not know if I would be allowed to take an examination since my tuition have not been fully paid. The joy of owning books came very rare during my senior years. I had to wait for my classmates to finish their assignments before I could have the benefit of books. “Rarity means higher value,” an economist said. That rarity of an experience taught me to be good and to be humble towards others. And that experience gifted me a precious lesson: when you are good, you are an asset, when you are an asset, you are loved, when you are loved, then opportunities come easy. These probably explain, without me knowing it, why I managed to excel at school work.

Indeed, life’s struggle leads me to understand better the complexity of human existence. Our family’s trials with poverty clearly inspire me of one fact of life: that the other side of poverty is prosperity in the making. That is, if one knows how to transform challenges into opportunities. Sometimes, I have to console myself with the idea that, lucky are the poor for they have the chances to become rich, unfortunate are rich for they have to face one reality in life and that is of becoming a very sad poor. PUP has taught me another virtue, the virtue of poverty. The virtue that the lights the human spirit to do more to in order to attain high achievements. Fellow graduates, believe you me, that honor called n achievement bestowed upon my person today was driven by the exercise of human freedom cultivated by the will to be from the clutches of ground level poverty. I confess with frankness, sometimes with despair that I have to keep Mr. Poverty in me in order to welcome Mr. Opportunity. Imagine, it took an enrollment in PUP to realize this priceless of a lesson. The only regrettable part of the beautiful lesson is that Mr. Opportunity remains a non-person.

I was contemplating what would life be without PUP. To many of us, life would be worthless, maybe even lifeless; worse, a parasitic decaying life for many of us. Without PUP, all of us today would have been part of a classroom report and statistics on social liability in economics 101, or of a thesis subject on untapped human resources in political science and public administration. Without PUP, the best among the poor who are many, those who are truly deserving from the sector of the underpriveledged would not have been given the big chance to demonstrate just how much the poor can contribute in the creation of the nation’s human capital stock just how much the poor can utilize and optimize equal opportunity for the country’s growth. Just for this commencement rites alone, close to 7000 PUP graduates of college education and training will soon shout to the world, “we are now degree holders!” however, getting a degree is one, facing a cruel world beyond PUP is another. Fellow graduates, to survive and be on top of this world is to know with passion and diligence the language and practice of equal opportunities.

Tomorrow or few days after today, we probably have to enroll in the Masteral program of equal opportunity in order to secure a good future. I must tell you, however, that there is no formal school elsewhere that offers such program. It is offered and obtained only in the university of consciousness and in the school of strong self confidence etched in our hearts and instilled in our minds. Equal opportunity is never a chance. It is a choice. It is not a decision others make for us. It is a decision we make for ourselves. Life is what we make it.

Now comes the big challenge! Knowing where the opportunities are, is knowing how each of us can be productive graduates through freedom and responsibility. It is absolutely everybody’s freedom to be good towards others and society. It is, however, in the act of owning responsibility for the things that we do that freedom becomes meaningful. In PUP, oftentimes it is in the name of the freedom that we see the rise of many serious problems. It is in the name of freedom that many become too irresponsible. Go and read the pages of the newspapers. Watch the television programs. Listen to the radio. All that we can get are bits and pieces of news and information about how freedom is wasted and responsibility forgotten. I beg, fellow graduates, that we use this momentous stage of our lives to reflect just how important it is to love freedom with responsibility and take responsibility in freedom. When we live up to that expectation, then PUP must be at its finest.

We owe our higher education to PUP. We have been educated from the sweat of every working Filipino, he be an ordinary worker or a rich entrepreneur. Their productive labor means budget for the university. Their contribution means quality education for enrollees and graduates. It is, therefore, our duty and responsibility to devote our education for the country’s growth. Our countrymen have labored to make our lives productive. It is now our turn to devote part of our lives to helping build a prosperous republic.

The name Polytechnic University of the Philippines augurs well of an education serve for the people, subsidized by the people and enjoyed with the people. Ang Imno ng PUP ay napakaganda at napakahusay na aral nating lahat tungkol sa bagay na ito. We, as PUP graduates should therefore be in the service of the people.

Coming from the College of Economics, Finance and Politics and Governance, I want to share few things that I treasure most as a result of my university education. As a citizen of the republic, it is our first basic duty to love this wonderful country. Second, be loyal to the constitution, and third, to have good acquaintance with the country’s geography. Love of country makes as patriots. Loyalty to the constitution makes the rule of law possible. Knowledge of the country’s geography makes us hopeful for the future. These are the three basic things that we should always remember.

PUP has equipped us with a very powerful tool to live our own lives. Service to society does not begin with receiving our diplomas. We need to constantly update in our chosen fields and discipline. The challenge now is in our hands, whether we become the educated fools of today, with the worthless people of tomorrow or become part of the Filipinos advance productive forces and assets.

Some of us may become licensed accountants, engineers, scientists, journalists, economists, politicians, and the list goes on and on. We may choose different paths but we should always live up to the PUP tradition. PUP is known for student activism to ensure an accountable and responsible government. We should all be happy with that.

It is the PUPians who rally to the streets to demand for better governance. PUPians are champions of countless causes, from good politics to sustainable development to honest presidency. PUPians have joined protest marches along and outside EDSA to make corrupt governments occupy no space in a democracy. That it is our way of expressing gratitude to those who are generous to make our education possible. Clearly, the PUP tradition must continue to live on.

After graduation we may cease to be school activist and be industry professionals and may even choose to exercise activism in different form, by becoming worthy citizen in different places, with different workmate, for different purposes in the constant service of the nation.

When we become models in our work stations, in our new associations, then we shall become true agents of social transformation, we shall become part of an expanding social capital that this country is in dire need of.

After receiving our much-coveted diplomas, everything will change. For many job-hunting becomes their first vocation. For some, this could be the end of their school life. For those planning never to get tired of formal schooling trough postgraduate studies, life could really be different.

Where do we go from where we are? How fast can we get there? Will we attain our dreams? Will we survive life’s challenges? Our answer defends on us. Dreaming dreams is only part of dreaming. Working it out to produce result is the whole of it. Believe in love. Believe in the magical self. Believe in Santa Claus. Believe in life-models. Believe in yourself. If you don’t, who will?

Listen the whisper of a bright future. Listen to the talk of Mr. and Ms. Excellence. Listen to the manager of productivity, to the director of competitiveness. Listen to the demands of a good life. We are the master of our own destiny. If ever you feel like failing and the whole world looks deceiving, just always remember the railroad on your way to PUP. Stop! Look! And listen! The passing train makes us to slow, stop and move again. The trains stop our walk-ins many times. In fact, we will never get to PUP without passing by railroad, without feeling the fear of being run over by the deadly dangerous trains.

Before we can achieve our dreams, there will be more trains to cross our way. Must we first stop, look and listen? Or let the trains tear us into pieces. Stop, to assess the situation. My principle is never to jump into the unfamiliar waters without me knowing how to swim. Look, to see what way out must I take, how fast I can get out and how far can I go? Finally, we must listen, to the warnings and signals of the environment, of the people who are part of us. As our College Dean loves to say: “the art of listening must lead to the science of learning and the science of learning must lead to the art of life-improving”.

My experiences in PUP will forever remind me of the things I try to hurdle to attain what I am now. I will forever remember the long lines during enrollment. I will forever remember the long hours I have to painstakingly wait when all the offices in the university have to close for breaktime. I will forever remember the books in the library that I rarely not used and the librarians I seldom met. I will forever remember the long but challenging walk to PUP. I will forever remember “quekquek” and “flying saucer”. I will forever remember “Atin Ito” that gave me a plate of rice with sangkatutak na sabaw. I will forever remember all of these. I’m definitely sure that I will not forget PUP!

On behalf of the graduating class of 2003, I thank the countless professors who molded, guided, and inspired us to become achievers. You have truly served a mentors purpose. As the Greeks one said: “the greatness of the teacher is seen in the caliber of his students”. We may not always remember what a state is, or remember the law of supply and demand, or calculate algebraic equations, but we will always remember that it is that novelty of your dedication that inspire us to succeed and to excel in our chosen fields.

I especially thank my professor at the College of Economics, Finance and Politics specifically at the department of political science, public administration and governance. Being in the CEFP is no small feat especially with the college tough and no-nonsense promotion of the culture of excellence in all its program. I’m so honored and privileged to have been a beneficiary of the college’s meritocracy-driven and service excellence-oriented programs.

To the parents whose selfless dedication and generous love define much of who we are now. It is to you that we offer our heart-earned diplomas, our future and our lives. we now stand before you to prove that your efforts were not in vain and your dreams not wasted. It is your dreams and caress that inspire us to dream dreams and to hope for our future and for the future of those about whom we care. For this, I am forever thankful to my own parents. Papa, mama, I love you very much. Our parents truly deserve a big hug. Actually, you deserve a descent house a long vacation, and a new car.

I thank my classmates for their camaraderie, generosity, and friendship. Thank you guys for your encouragement and for believing in me. Surely, you have helped me find my way to the top.

To our Almighty God whom we call in different names and worship in different ways, I offer to you my silent prayers.

And how was I able to get to the top? How have I accomplished such a feat? I have known the answer all along after all. It is because I always look at my past and used it to guide me to create and improve my future. My past re-minds me of the things I am lacking of the things I want to be. This is what I wanted. I wanted to make a difference. I simply wanted to be at the top.

I hope that as we bid farewell to this university, we will all look back to our Alma matter. Not only to improve our future but also to contribute to the future of those who have given us the opportunity to improve our future-our country men. We are now living in extra ordinary times and in extraordinary circumstances with all the wars, plague, diseases, bad politics, and economic crises troubling our lives. Let us not add more to these burdens.

To end, let me give you some few parting words from our great hero, Apolinario Mabini from which our main campus is named. From his work, The True Decalogue, he says: “Thou shalt love thy country after God and thy honor more than thyself: for she is the only paradise which God has given thee in life, the patrimony of thy race, the only inheritance of thy ancestors, and the only hope of thy posterity; because of her, thou hast life, love and interest, happiness and honor God.” My fellow graduates, let us all live up to the PUP tradition. Do have a good day! Maraming salamat po.

A Dream Fulfilled June 12, 2005

By Annabel Paredes
Magna cum laude
Bachelor in Political Science
(International Relations), 2002

Speech delivered during the Commencement Exercises
held on April 26, 2002 at the Folk Arts Theater
CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

Honorable Congressman Ronaldo Zamora, President Ofelia M.Carague, Chairman of the Board of Regents and its members, Deans, Chairpersons and staff, beloved families and friends, ladies and gentlemen a pleasant afternoon.

The tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goals, it is not the calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It is not disgrace to reach for the stars but it is when you no stars to reach for. Not failure but low aim is a sin. I am greatly honored and proud to speak before you as a representative of this graduating class. I learned that I will be delivering valedictory address only a few days ago. After that rush of joy and gratitude, only one emotion remains, panic! I am not used to delivering speeches in front of a large crowd. I am just an ordinary student, simple and unpopular.

Sa aking walong semestreng pamamalagi sa paaralang ito, hindi ako naging estudyante na nagkamit ng napakaraming parangal.

I do not hold any position in any academic or non-academic organizations in the University. However, I am confident in saying that may four years of stay in PUP have been truly well spent.

Maaari kong ipagmalaki at sabihin ko sa lahat na nagging makabuluhan an gaming huling taon. Lahat ng mga aral na aming napulot sa apat na taong paghihirap ay nagbunga na rin sa wakas! Ngayong hapong ito, ang bawat isa sa atin ay natupad ang isa sa mga pangarap na ating inasam. Hindi lamang tayo nagagalak sa tuwa sa pagkatupad ng ating mga pangarap, an gating mga magulang, kapatid, guro, kaibigan at mismong paaralan ay natutuwa sa ating tagumpay. Nararapat lamang na atin silang pasalamatan sa lahat ng kanilang paghihirap para marating natin ang tugatog ng tagumpay.!

May I request all the graduates to please rise and give these people a round of applause!

I guess all of you are wondering who I am and how did I attain such honors.

Isa lamang ang aking masasabi sa inyong lahat. Ako ay isa lamang ordinaryong estudyante na tulad ng marami na dumanas ng paghihirap para habulin ang mga deadlines. Lahat ng hirap ay ating dinaanan simula sa pag-eenrol. Ang init ng araw sa ating pagbibiyahe para makarating sa oras n gating klase, pagpupuyat na ating naranasan sa pagsulat n gating thesis at pagrereview para sa exams at kaba sa oras ng pagsusulit at paghihintay sa ating mga grado.

Ako ay kabilang sa pamilyang biniyayaan ng sapat lamng. Ako ay ikatlo sa apat na magkakapatid. Ang hirap na dinanas ng aking mga magulang para mabigayn ako ng magandang edukasyon ay dapat kong suklian.

My dad is a great hero. Iniwan nya ang kanyang trabaho sa opisina at pinili ang pag-service sa mga estudyante at maranasan ang matinding hirap para lamang kami ay mabantayan noong kami ay mga bata pa. hindi niya kami hinayaan na maligaw na daan na aming tatahakin.

Every lesson in life that my dad and mom shared to us are treasures we will carry throughout our lives.

Ang pagiging mabuting kaibigan ay natutunan ko sa kanila na aking dadalhin kahit saan man ako magpunta.

Behind every success is a failure. There are many failures in my life. But I never lose hope. I strove very hard to reach for my goals until I fully achieve them. Just like several personalities that start from scrap, Jose Rizal, our national hero, was a very disciplined student that his classmates always tease him, pero kita nyo naman ang nangyari, dinakila siya at kinilalang bayani dahilsa kanyang mga nagawa upang makamtan ang kalayaan.

Abraham Lincoln became US President after failing 13 times to be elected in various lower position. Albert Einstein, a fame math genius, failed in his high school math. Winston Churchill cannot be admitted neither at Cambridge nor Oxford University but he became a prime minister of England and is considered as the one of the worlds strongest leaders. You see, failure is a part of life. It is a great wall that must be climb if one wishes to continue to experience more happiness and success.

All of us here are winners! Malay mo after graduation, isa sa atin ay maging katulad nila. You will never know, in time, in PUP alumnus will be the next Philippine president! Nothing is impossible in this world.

Kung sa akin mangyayari, mamamatay din ako, kundi man sa pisikal ay sa presensya. Hindi ko yata kaya na mawala ang mga mahal ko sa buhay na hindi ko nasasabi kung gaano ko sila kamahal kahit lagi kaming nagaaway sa bahay dahil nga hindi kami magbigayan. Mahal ko ang aking mga kapatid at lalo na ang aking mga magulang. Lagi ko nga silang ipinagdarasal. May they always be safe at home and in wherever places they go. I love you all!

Dad, alam ko na hinihintay mo na kung ano ang sasabihin ko. Kahit lagi tayong nagtatalo sa bahay ay hindi ko nakakalimutan lahat ng ipinamulat mo sa aming mga magkakapatid. You are the best dad for me!

Mom, ikaw ang laging nagsasakripisyo para lamang mabigyan kami ng araw-araw naming pangangailangan. Salamat sa gabay at pagmamahal na ibinigay ninyo sa amin ni daddy. Mahal na mahal ko kayo!

Sorry for the troubles I have caused you. I am also proud of you raising me like this, a valedictorian! I ask you, my fellow graduates, have you ever told your parents how much you loved them? Have you ever said sorry for all the troubles you have caused them?

Alam ko na lahat tayo ay naiirita at nabibingi na sa paulit-ulit na sermon ng ating mga magulang. Ngunit alam nating tama sila. Huwag sana nating hayaang mangyari sa atin ang nangyari sa aking kaibigan na hindi nabigyan ng pagkakataon para magpasalamat at magpadama ng kanyang pagmamahal sa magulang.

Let us start today. Say “I love you” to our parents. If not at this very moment, show them the appreciation they deserve. Please give a round of applause to the hardworking parents who contributed to our success. On behalf, of my fellow graduates, I would like to say thank you. We love you all.

The college where I came from, the College of Economics, Finance and Politics is a great institution. With its motto, “keeping strong the momentum of excellence in the digital age”, the college has produced champions. We are taught to keep learning and flow with the changing times. This has helped us in being what we are right now.

Kahit nga hindi ako active participant sa activities, I know the students capabilities. Sa college ka makakakita ng super supportive mentors, professors, student assistant, chairpersons, at syempre a very intelligent and encouraging dean, Dr. Roman Dannug. Thank you and keep up the good work in creating more competitive graduates in the coming years.

I cannot forget to extend my thanks to the Department of Political Science, the department that has nurtured me for four years. I know all the people in our department are very proud of me! I’m too very proud of you, Chairperson Gatchalian and all the Political Science Faculty Members and Staff. Kahit nga wala sila ngayon maraming salamat sa inyong lahat!

PUP is a great university. It has been helping poor students to pursue quality education. Under the leadership of Dr. Ofelia M. Carague, from its humble beginnings, this university has evolve into a dynamic institution recording an increasing student enrollment, expanding program offerings, collaborative projects and improve developmental programs for all the university’s stakeholders.

Bilang isang estudyante ng Agham Pampulitika na may pangarap na magpatuloy ng abogasya, natatangi po kayo dahil sa pagbibigay ninyo ng pagkakataon sa mga maralitang estudyante maging magagaling na abogado sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon natin ng College of Law.

This is another window of opportunity for Filipinos who struggle to achieve success. May I ask the graduates to please stand and give a round of applause to our beloved mother, Madam President and from our hearts greet her a warm Happy Birthday!

Ma’am, this is a little gift from us for all the efforts you have exerted to make this university what it is right now. We consider you as our treasure and confidante with your dedication to excellence and service. We cannot afford to lose you! Thank you!

All of us will carry the name of this university. In all walks of life we are proud of PUP! Sa trabaho ko ngayon, they prepare to hire PUP graduates because we are hardworking, patient and honest.

Kaya nga po Hon. Cong. Zamora, I would like to ask your help in the Lower House to support the developmental projects of our university by increasing its budget allocation for the coming years. You have seen how great our university is. You are our partner in Congress to enable us in the academe accomplish our university goals. You very well know that PUP has helped many poor students by giving them opportunities to grow. Let us all stand and give our Guest of Honor a round of applause for listening and indicating willingness to fight for our request!

Soon enough, we will be entering the world of politics. Even though we have different fields of study, all of us will be dealing with politics. All of us will be making decisions that will affect others.

Malapit na naman ang eleksyon. Sa ating paglabas sa paaralang ito, naway natutunan natin ang mgdesisyon na hindi iisang tao lamang ang makikinabang. Huwag tayong mabulag sa mga walang sawang pangako ng mga politikona sa kalaunan ay nauuwi sa wala. Try to change our future today, save the next generation by making the right decisions.

Hindi natin dapat kalimutan higit sa lahat ang Pinaka makapangyarihan na nagbigay daan sa lahat ng ito. To our Almighty God who has given us the talent, perseverance, love and comfort that we depended on and to whom we owe all that we have. You made all this possible. This will not be the end for all of us. We know that You will guide us all the way. No one will ever know your reasons for everything that has happened and what will happen. We just need to trust Your mighty hands and praise You with all our hearts! Thank you Our mighty Creator!

I know that all of you want me to finish my speech. Alam ko ang pakiramdam ng nakaupo at nababagot sa speaker lalo na at mainit kaya tatapusin ko na! I just want to say Congratulations! I am proud of and amazed at all of our accomplishments. Strive to be committed in all that you do. Do not stop learning, continue to gain knowledge as well as wisdom. Demonstrate character, integrity, selflessness and honesty. Just believe and have faith in God, whatever your labors and aspirations. Have peace in your soul. With all this sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful and strive to be happy. Fulfill your dreams and aim for the stars. Thank you and good afternoon!

Talk Doesn’t Cook Rice June 12, 2005

By Edelle D. Mabazza
Magna cum laude
Bachelor of Science in Economics,2002

Speech delivered during the Commencement Exercises
Held on April 26, 2002 at the Folk Arts Theater
CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

Honorable Executive Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, Chairman Ester Garcia and Members of the Board of Regents, University President Dr. Ofelia M. Carague, Vice Presidents, Deans and Directors, Chairpersons, faculty members and staff, parents, friends and fellow graduates…good morning.

I am humbled and deeply honored to deliver this valedictory speech. I have to think hard over the past few weeks about what words I could offer that would inspire us graduates, and become essential to us now and in the years to come. Never in my wildest dream that I would be standing here today addressing you all. Perhaps a year from now, you would forget the words I said. However, I will try to be brief.

Una sa lahat, ang pagtataposna ito ay ating ialay sa Poong Maykapal. Siya ang pumapatnubay at kumakandili sa ating lahat.

Marahil, marami sa mga lubos na nakakakilala sa akin ay magtataka kung bakit ako narito sa inyong harapan. Hindi ako madalas makitang sumasali sa mga university competitions. Hindi rin ako naging lider ng kahit na anong academic and non-academic organizations nitong ating pamantasan. Ako ay kagaya rin ninyo, isang ordinaryong estudyante ng PUP. Ako ay naniniwala na ang isang pangkaraniwan ay maaaring maging kakaiba sa kanyang sariling paraan.

I believe in my own way, I am an achiever. There are two nuggets of wisdom which guided me to be the best. First in this Chinese proverb: “Talk doesn’t cook rice”. Second, my mantra for life: “A good leader is also a good follower”.

Naniniwala ako na ang gawa ay mas mabisa sa salita.sabi nga ng karamihan, kapag kaunting salita ay kaunti rin ang pagkakamali. Kaugnay nito, ang tao ay naihahalintulad sa pagsasaka: ang likas na magsasaka at ang tagapamahala ng lupa. Sumusunog sa tindi ng sikat ng araw at sa lamig ng ulan sa pag-asang magiging maganda ang kanyang ani. Sa kabilang banda, komportable sa kanyang tahanan ang tagapamahala ng lupa; naghihintay lamang ng kanyang bahagi kapag anihan. Isang katanungan para sa lahat ng narito: Ikaw ba ay magsasaka o tagapamahala ng lupa? Ano ka ba talaga?

One drawback in most of us is that we talk more but do little. I guess real fulfillment of a person’s goals, dreams and aspirations does not really occur until we come face-to-face with the task accompanying those endeavors. No matter how many plans we formulate, real transformation is the only key in achieving those plans. I have always been a silent worker.

Bukod sa paniniwalang ang gawa ay higit na mabisa sa salita, lubos akong naniniwala na nakasalalay ang tagumpay hindi lamang sa ating mga lider. Ito ay higit na nakasalalay sa mga taong nasa likuran na nagsisikap na sumusunod upang makamit ang bawat layunin. I have said that I rarely stand as a leader but I am so grateful to stay always in the background to be a good follower. I believe that when a good leader leaves, a good follower will take over.

Ang naging buhay-estudyante ko sa loob ng apat na taon dito sa Unibersidad ay isang ordinaryong kwento na kagaya ng sa inyo. Nagtitiis sa napakahabang pila tuwing enrollment, kinakabahan sa mga bagong professors, nakakaramdam ng hirap ng mga examinations, sunod-sunod na projects at deadlines, walang tulugang pagaaral, at kakapusan ng pera dahil sa walang hanggang research at term papers. Sa kabila ng mga hirap na ito, nakayanan naman natin, hindi ba?

Ako ay hindi nakapisan saaking mga magulang kaya’t hindi napakadali ang lahat. Katatapos ko lang noon ng elementarya nang lumuwas ako sa maynila, upang magpatuloy ng pag-aaral. Nakitira ako sa isang tiyahin. Akala ko noong una ay madali lang… pero nagkamali ako. Naisip ko, ganito pala ang kapiling ang sariling pamilya… mahirap… malungkot… nakakatakot. Mahirap dahil ikaw mismo ang maglalaba, mamamalantsa ng sarili mong damit. Malungkot kapag ikaw ay may sakit o may problema. Wala ang mga magulang o kapatid para matakbuhan o mahingan ng tulong. Nakakatakot na malayo sa pamilya; nararamdaman mong nasa ibaba ka at nag-iisa. Minsan, wala akong magawa kundi ang umiyak… pero kailangang magpatuloy… Kung nanghina ang loob ko noon, wala ako dito ngayon.

Hindi lahat ng oras ko ay nakatuon sa pag-aaral. Sinikap kong hatiin ang oras na ito at makatulong sa bahay ng aking tinitirahan bilang tanda ng pasasalamat sa kanilang pagkupkop. Marami na tayong narinig na ang “time management” ay isang mabisang paraan upang malabanan ang kakapusan sa oras. Naniniwala ako sa paraang ito, subalit hindi ko masasabing lubos ko itong ginagawa.

One of my weaknesses is being poor in time management. However, this weakness did not hinder me to be good in my studies. I may not be good in time management, but I make sure that my time is used efficiently. I know I have done my best and I have enjoyed doing the things I have accomplished.

Many of us may come to think that our graduation today, is a proof of success. I humbly submit that it is not. I have once read that “You can get all A’s and fail the test of life”. The diploma we will shortly receive is not the real proof of success. It is not a guarantee of a good future. It is not simply how much you talk, but what you do, and how you do it, which will determine whether or not you will succeed. Success is the capacity to dream at it’s the fullest and the determination to live in relation to that dream. However, as one American poet once said: “In dreams begin responsibilities”. Indeed, where would many of us be if we did not dream, if we allowed ourselves to be defined by limits instead of possibilities. So I urge you: do not accept limitation! Dare to dream!

With that, the next quality of success is failure. Yes, failure. The most successful person are not those who simply made mistakes. They are the ones who have learned the most mistakes they committed. So when failure comes, and surely it will, face it and accept it without excuse. And then, go on.

And finally, success must be shared to be enjoyed. Resist the temptation to retaliate, but applaud for somebody’s achievements. The secret of success, I believed, is to talk less and do more. Dream and aim for the best. Treat failures as accomplishments, and let them serve as our driving force to strive for more.

Kagaya rin ako ng marami sa inyo, buhat sa isang simpleng tahanan. Pito kaming magkakapatid. Ang aking mga magulang ay mga magsasaka. Ang kahirapan ng buhay ay lubos naming nararamdaman pero hindi ito naging hadlang upang kaming lahat na magkakapatid ay hindi makapag-aral. Ang tatay ko, tulad ng napakaraming ama na narito, kahit nababakas ang pagod na dulot ng tindi ng sikat ng araw, ay hindi ko narinig na nagreklamo. Bago ako lumuwas nitong nakaraang buwan, ang tanging salita na narinig ko mula sa kanya, “Pano ba iyan,anak, isang taon na naman tayong di magkikita.”

Ang nanay ko, kagaya rin ng mga inang narito, ay laging nagpapabaon ng napakaraming paalala tuwing luluwas ako sa Maynila. Maaaring marami sa atin ang nagsasawa na sa kakapakinig ng mga sermon at kanilang “pakikialam” sa ating buhay. Pero naitanong nab a natin kung bakit nila ginagawa ang mga bagay na ito? Nararamdaman ba natin ang takot na nararamdaman nila sa tuwing tayo ay aalis? Nalalaman ba natin ang tindi ng hirap na tiniis nila para patuloy na maipadala ang lahat ng kailangan natin sa tamang oras? Binigyang pansin ba natin ang lungkot na nararamdaman nila kapag nag-uwi tayo ng mga grado na di nila inaasahan? Marahil ay hindi… dahil ang magulang natin ay nananatiling tahimik. Kinikimkim ang lahat-lahat, at patuloy na nagtitiis na lamang. Dahil para sa kanila, ang mapagtapos tayo sa kolehiyo ang tanging pamana nilang maihahandog sa atin.

Di ba’t madalas natin itong marinig sa kanila pero di lang natin lubos na binibigyang pansin? Ngayon ay isang napakagandang pagkakataon na mabigyan natin na kahit na munting sukli ang lahat ng kanilang paghihirap, pagtitiis at pagmamahal. Inaanyayahan ko ang bawat isang nagsisipagtapos ngayon na tumayo at lumingon sa ating mga magulang. Bigyan natin sila ng masigabong palakpakan tanda n gating lubos na pasasalamat. Maramin-maraming salamat pos a inyong lahat minamahal naming mga magulang.

Not only are our parents the main reason why we are here in this life, but, chances are, they have rejoiced with us in good times and have cried with us in bad times. They deserve a big hug! Actually, they deserve everything you will give them now, and later, your first salary.

Karamihan sa atin ay nagmula sa probinsya, kaya’t ang PUP ay nagsilbing ikalawang tahanan natin. Dito ay nagkaroon tayo ng bago kakilala, kaibigan at kapamilya. Madalas, ako ay napapagalitan dahil mas maraming oras pa ako nandito sa PUP kaysa sa bahay. Lagi akong napagsasabihang, “Diyan ka na nga tumira sa PUP!” kasi dito sa unibersidad ay nararamdaman ko rin ang isang tunay na tahanan. At katulad ng isang tunay na pamilya, itoay may pundasyong matatag. Ang pundasyong ito ay ang administrasyon na pinamumunuan n gating natatanging pangulo, Dr. Ofelia M. Carague, na siyang nagsisilbing ina natin.

Ang ating pamantasan ay mag-iisang daang taon na sa 2004. Isang siglo na ang PUP ay patuloy sa paniniwala sa paglilingkod na ang edukasyon ay isang mabisang instrumento para makalikha ng kapaki-pakinabang na mamamayan. Isang siglo nang nagsikap ang PUP upang mabigyang pagkakataon na makapag-arl ang mga kabataang mahihirap na kagaya natin. At bilang pakikibahagi sa layunin ng PUP, inaanyayahanko kayo na magbigay ng malakas na palakpak sa ating sintang pamantasan.

Fellow PUPians, be proud of PUP. You know that you have not just gotten a degree from this University. You have received an Education, in the fullest sense of the word. The PUP administration with its programs of excellence has always been making sure that every student who will graduate from this university will be equipped with knowledge, competitive skills and remarkable discipline that would make them a person of authenticity and exemplary performance. PUP graduates have already proven their expertise in diverse fields and have maintained a commendable role in the country and even abroad. Because of this, I, who have the privilege to speak in behalf of the PUPians, do appeal to the government, that PUP deserves more, to make every student of this university a productive citizen of the country by increasing our budget. With better support from the national government, I believe that PUP will be able to continuously produce more Edelle Mabazzas.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the graduating students, to extend our deepest gratitude to all our college deans, chairpersons, staff and professors. We are blessed to be surrounded with people who made us believe in dreams, in love, in others and in ourselves.

Ang araw na ito ay isang napakalaking araw para sa lahat, higit sa ating mga magsisipagtapos. Subalit, naiisip ba natin ang kinabukasan na naghihintay sa atin? Tama… naiisip natin na bukas tayo ay susuong sa realidad ng buhay… ang katotohanan ng buhay. Paano nga ba natin haharapin ang mga ito?

This could have been the question: “What is the secret of life?” I have once read the answer: “keep breathing”.

Right now, we have ambivalent feelings as we bid farewell to this university, from sheer joy to fear, from worry to anticipation. It is something we have faced before as we go through kindergarten to grade school to high school and to college. It is all a series of new beginnings. Now, some of us might choose to go to the real world of work. But our schooling is not over. Let us treat our workplace as another school and learn lessons from it.

Fellow PUP graduates, there is nobody who deserves these fulfillment in our life more than ourselves. I wish everybody a successful journey.

Tearful Eyes, Into Joyful Hearts June 12, 2005

Tearful Eyes, Into Joyful Hearts
By Annalee Foz
Magna cum laude
Bachelor in Political Science
(International Relations), 2001

Speech delivered during the Commencement Exercises
Held on April 2001 at the Folks Arts Theater
CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

Madam President, Dr. Ofelia Morabe-Carague,

Distinguished Commencement Speaker, Hon. Rosenda Ann Ocampo, Honorable Vice Presidents: Dr. Samuel m. Salvador for Academic Affairs, Dr. Dante G. Guevarra for Administration, Dr. Normita Villa for Research and Development, Dr. Carmela Perez for Finance and Dr. Moises Garcia for Student Affairs.

Beloved college deans and department chairs,

Respected guests,

Dearest parents and friends, my co- graduates,

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

As I stand before you this afternoon, I realized that it is indeed a great privilege to be a student of this institution, however, such privilege implies great responsibilities: the arduous struggle for excellence and exemplary character building and the acquisition of skills and competencies through varied curricular and co-curricular activities. These molded my life as a student and as a person in order to be honorable in all kinds of endeavor.

Day of graduation! It is a day worth remembering for both parents and students. It is a day when toils and labors are rewarded. It is a day for retrospection, for parents, whose means are inadequate to support daily needs, yet have never ceased to strive to give their children the highest level of education, and for students, who are not discouraged from continuing to run the race, with eyes drawn to the most coveted prize of success, though obstacles before them seem insurmountable. This day is truly a day of jubilation, for both parents and students who will always remember this with tearful eyes yet joyful hearts.

The moment of moments has finally come, and the presence of an overwhelmingly warm crowd of graduates, parents and friends who had shared our struggles to finish our college studies touch the very core of my soul, the essence of my being.

Fellow graduates, as I look at the past, I can see the four difficult years of hardships and toils-the ups and downs, the tears and joys that makes studying challenging and fulfilling. These four years of burning the midnight oil, were not easy, but I never lost my vision; that vision of success, maintaining the philosophy that in every tear, there is forthcoming joy, that in every obstacles and hardships, there will be a rewarding success.

Four years ago, after I finished high school, I made a decision to pursue my studies in Manila although I knew it was going to be difficult to be away from my parents, neighbors, and friends and of course money was definitely going to be a problem.

My parents are public servants. This means that they can afford to send me to college. However, during that time, all of us were going to school and three of us were in college. This made it almost impossible for my parents to make both ends meet. Since it had been my desire to take a four year course, I found myself enrolled in PUP despite the odds staring me in the face. Registration fees were not so much of a problem because it is a state-owned university but day-to-day expenses were a different story.

There was even an instance when my friends asked me to join them to dine out, but since I had only eight pesos in my wallet, just enough for my fair in going home, I did not go with them. Instead, I contented my self with going to the library and doing some research. This situation was repeated several times, until it became the order of the day. Little did I realize this was a blessing in disguise because it helped me become a better student. During those days, I never spent beyond my budget because I simply could not afford it. I had to be a wise spender the extent of limiting myself to two meals a day. I did this by getting up around 9:30 in the morning, eating my breakfast and lunch at the same time at about 10:30 in the morning and then eating my supper late in afternoon. I maintained that schedule for quite a long time, again and again, and the Lord was always with me because He never allowed me to get sick. I now know His plans for me to succeed and be of help to my younger brothers who are still in college.

In addition to financial difficulties, I also had problems coping with the high standards of the university. There was occasions when I’m almost ready to give up. Who would not when after you had tried all your best, by reading prescribed books to answer all questions, and writing the research paper to its perfect finish, professors would still not be satisfied? Instead of quitting, I found myself doing another set of term paper or projects with added meticulousness and accurateness so that everything would turn right. This countless challenging situations happened during my college days, I felt then that there were just too much to bear, but now I realize to my surprise and elation that I have surpassed them all with no regrets.

Mga kapwa ko magsisipagtapos sa hapong ito, kung ano ako ngayon sa inyong harapan ay bunga ng walang sawang pagsisikap ng aking mga magulang at guro sa paaralang ito. To my beloved parents who are here today, I publicly offer my outmost gratitude for your unselfish devotion for my education. Hindi ko kailanman makakalimutang balikan sa aking alaala ang mga paghihirap at walang pagod ninyong paghahanapbuhay para lamang kaming anak ninyo ay matugunan ang lahat ng mga pangangailangan sa pag-aaral. Gayundin po ang walang sawa ninyong pagpatnubay at paghubog sa aking kaisipan patungo sa tuwid na landas ng kinabukasan. Ang inyong pagtitiis sa kabila ng aking mga pagkukulang ay napakahalagang gabay na kailanman ay hindi ko makakalimutan. Maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyo.

Sa lahat ng magulang na naririto upang saksihan an gaming pagtatapos, binabati ko po kayo sa inyong ginawang pagpupunyagi, maigapang lamang ninyo an gaming pag-aaral. Kayo ang mga buhay na bantayog ng pagmamahal, pagdamay at pagmamalasakit alang-alang sa magandang kinabukasan ng isang anak na katulad ko. So, along with all the other graduates this afternoon, I wish to show my administration to all the parents present for a remarkable job. My dear fellow graduates, please stand and let’s give our parents a standing ovation. Palakpakan po natin silang lahat.

To our beloved professors, we pay our tribute of thanks. We will never forget all of you. The knowledge you have imparted to us, will not be put in vain, we will cultivate and water it till it grows to become an everlasting contribution to our country’s progress. Rest assure that whatever success we will achieve will not only be our own; you are an indispensable partner, our victory is Yours. To the victorious mentors of the graduates institution, thank you so much for your efforts. Palakpakan po natin an gating mga Guro.

PUP, kailanman ay ‘di kita malilimutan. There are things in life which an individual always remembers, and for that matter, there are persons and places which cling to my mind and find a niche in my heart. Soon I’ll say goodbye to you, my dear PUP, but there are memories I will always treasure, like the library which was my favorite place because of the reasons I related earlier. In an ordinary school day-especially during vacant hours, I can still feel the serenity in those rooms and the hurry-scurry busy brows working through the books. I shall never forget the buildings with the rooms built to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning, nor the instructors with their patience, kindness, understanding, honesty, fairness, and good counsel that still linger in my mind, allowing me to stand firm in the face of trials and obstacles in life. PUP, I shall cherish you forever. Palakpakan po natin an gating paaralan.

Fellow graduates, we are now ready to face the world. As we step out of the portals of our alma matter, our college life shall soon become pleasant memories that we can only recall with nostalgic feelings. We will then confront the more complex and demanding responsibility we have to share, in our new task of nation-building. In times like this, like what is happening right now, when the country is in great crisis, be it social, political, or economic, it is our responsibility to do something for our mother land. Remember the great Malayan, Dr. Jose Rizal, who had the foremost and full confidence in the capacities of the Filipino youth.

Kailangan ng inang bayan ang mga kabataang katulad natin: mga kabataang mulat ang kaisipan sa mga pangyayaring may kabuluhan, mga kabataang may paninindigan at pagmamahal sa bayan, mga kabataang alam ang kanilang karapatan at limitasyon bilang mga mamamayan, mga kabataang may takot sa Diyos.

Tayo ang mga graduates ng ika-21 siglo. Harapin natin ng buong karangalan at pagmamalaki amg kasabihang tayo ang mga kabataang punung-puno ng sigla at lakas. Ituon natin sa karangalan ng bayan at pamantasang ito ang alab ng talino at pagkamalikhain ng mga kabataang katulad natin.

Fellow graduates, the country needs young people like us: youths who are ready to sacrifice themselves for the sake of service to the country and to humanity. Our country needs men who can either be both nor sold, men who are not afraid to say “yes” when many say “no”, men who are true to their duties.

Fellow graduates, as we become full-pledge members of society, it becomes our prime responsibility to take broader participation in the political reformation, social rejuvenation and revitalization programs of our government. It becomes our mission to take positive leadership in helping our officials arrest the recurrence of sliding back to the ills of the sick and corrupt-laden old society. We can help the government avoid the wastage of manpower of being agents of change. As the adage goes “it is not only a change of men but a change within men”.

Beloved leaders, behold your dreams for each of us; for us we leave the portals of our alma matter and yonder we tread to the next rung of ladder in our quest for a good future, rest assure that we shall bring home the bacon, not long here after. Sisikapin naming ibalik sa aming mga magulang, sa mga guro, sa institusyong ito, sa aming bayan, at higit sa lahat sa Poong Maykapal, ang lahat ng parangal gaano man kalawak at kasalimuot ang landasing aming kakaharapin.

My fellow graduates, I challenge you to rally behind me. Hinahamon ko kayo sa isang krusada-ang krusada para sa kadakilaan at karangalan ng institusyong ito na magdiriwang ng kanyang ika-100 taon sa pagsapit ng 2004. Inaasahan na kahit tayo’y mga graduates na ng PUP, marami pa tayong maitutulong para sa kanyang ikauunlad. Una na rito ang tayo’y maging mga propesyonal, at gayundin naman, kung anong tagumpay ang ating nakamit at kakamtin pa sa mga susunod na mga panahon, ito ay lagi nating ihandog sa magulang, sa pamantasan at sa bayang pinagkakautangan ng ating tagumpay.

God help us to see and understand what awaits us in the future, like the beacon, we shall unfold the luster of gold to give brilliance, glory and honor to our parents, community and country. Maraming salamat po. MABUHAY PO TAYONG LAHAT.