Astig na Summa Cum Laude

Her views

School Facilities

When asked about the facilities of the university, she said “don’t be distracted by it, you’ll just end up disappointed”.

She accepted this reality since the beginning of her college life in PUP. Grace, by being resourceful, has managed to address her needs in her own means. Instead of complaining, she tried to understand the situation. More so, she lends her books to those who are needy.

Activism

PUP is considered a haven of activists. She considers herself an activist as well. According to her, an activist is a progressive person clamoring for change on the different issues confronting the society. An activist must insinuate changes.

“Ang aktibista ay hindi lang yung mga nagpupunta sa kalsada at sumisigaw ng pagbabago, it’s the common notion for an activist. Para sa akin, there is an emerging alternative way of activism, and that is engaging in discussion and debate in a decent, responsible, and constructive way. And I think, that it is the more educated and civilized way of fighting for change and reform – that is our gift for embracing democracy instead of communism. We just need to be critical and proactive to make our mission as reformist to be realized”, Grace said.

Politics

Grace shares same views with former CEFP Dean Dannug “Politics is like a half-filled glass of water. You can view it either half-full or half-empty depending on your perspective.” According to Grace, many would say that politics is dirty, “Madumi man ang pulitika sa tingin ng iba, but they really don’t have any choice but to pass through it because life, as it is, is politics. What important is, not to stay on it and hold by it.”

Moreover, in facing the challenges of politics, decision-making is utmost consideration. As her educational background insists, before making her decisions, she needs to do “POSDCORB” as she was taught: planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, regulating and budgeting. Passing through these methods makes her decisions and plans a “hundred percent sure.”

Today, she is working as a part time researcher at the office of Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel. One day, if she still have the dreams of becoming a politician, she’ll courageously enter politics. What about a President of the Republic of the Philippines graduated from PUP, not a bad idea.

Atty. Mary Grace Ronquillo “in the making”

The very reason why she took Bachelor of Public Administration and Governance is that this is a preparatory course for Law. And, if she will practice law, her specialization would probably be a corporate law. She’s hoping that one day, she will be a part of the Legal Department of San Miguel Corporation or SM holdings.

Her Message

“One good success erases all the failures of the past. And greatness once achieved, however brief, stays with the man or with the nation”, she inspiringly said in her valedictory address.

 

Grace has only three things to advice the freshmen. These are her three keys to victory.

1. No one could bring you down except God.
2. Kung gusto mong magtagumpay, magsimula ka ng malinis, maayos at walang masamang ginagawa.
3. Kung gusto mong maging angat sa iba, always put your feet standing firm on the ground at lagi mong iisipin na lahat ng ginagawa mo ay para sa mga mahal mo sa buhay at para sa Diyos.

“Beautiful” by Cristina Aguillera is the song that would best define her life. She is beautiful no matter what they say. Words can’t bring her down.

She ended giving a message to all the people who applauded her and look up to her, “Anumang karunungan ko ay kamangmangan lamang sa Kanya at anumang karangalan ko ay hindi makahihigit sa ngalan Niya.”

 

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Valedictory Speeches

Mary Grace Rongquillo (2007)
Cindy V. Rumbaoa (2003)
Annabel Paredes (2002)
Edelle D. Mabazza (2002)
Annalee Foz (2001)
Edgar Feliciano Aringay