Good afternoon everyone.
First off, let me express my extreme happiness for our students who have finally and successfully finished the third preparatory stage of their soon to be told legacy.
Second, I share the happiness of each parent as they witness the fulfillment of their dreams unfolding before their very eyes. Being a parent myself, I know how it feels like to face each examination month having to decide and prioritize your children’s TF over your personal needs. Mahirap pero it’s all worth it!
Tonight indeed is a special night for us parents. Call it divine coincidence, but April 29 will go down in the pages of history as a “Royal Day”. One, because somewhere in England a wedding dubbed the Royal Wedding of the Century transpired on this very day. And tonight, even for just one night, we too are like Kings and Queens of the world thus making us part of the Royal Family as we celebrate the accomplishments of our children tonight.
Third, I would like to thank the men and women of STI Naga for the dedication and commitment they have showed over the years in the pursuit of our Mission and Vision to be the leader in innovative and relevant education that nurtures each student to become competent and responsible members of society.
I have to do a special mention to the support given to us by the City Government of Naga under the leadership of Mayor Bongat. His unique and remarkable program that encapsulates the beauty of NAGA CITY in the acronym that depict the natural charm of Bicolanos have convinced our Board of Directors, particularly our President, Atty. Nick Jacob, a Bicolano to invest (heavily) in Naga.
We are very thankful tonight that as we celebrate our 9th Commencement Exercise in this new facility, we are blessed with the presence of Mayor John Bongat himself to share a part of his SMILES program coming to life.
To our friends from the TESDA, CHED, the Academe and the business community thank you.
In the 1940’s, there’s a movie that came to be judged as one of the world’s most famous and highly-rated film not because of its stars (bida) but largely because of its story and excellence in production. The movie is Citizen Kane. The movie revolved around the life story of a newspaper tycoon named Charles Foster Kane and his last spoken word in his deathbed. The word was “Rosebud”. And as news reporters rush to uncover the meaning of “Rosebud” and give light to the mystery of the word, they came to unravel the life lived by the millionaire. Growing up from a poor family, Citizen Kane strived hard to succeed in life starting as a plain newspaperman and becoming the owner of a newspaper company and eventually became a millionaire. But as Charles Foster Kane gain more and more power he is losing at the same time more and more of his soul. His money and power did not bring him happiness for he has lost his YOUTHFUL IDEALISM.
Citizen STI not a movie nor was it taken from the Citizen Kane film. But I chose to correlate the two Citizens to emphasize my message to our graduates. First, as you come to face and share the responsibility of building the future of our country always bear in mind that your accountability to pursue the greater good is much more superior than the pursuit of your personal glory. Second, I am confident that you will be successful in the very near future. Because just like the film, behind each of these graduates are characters full of substance and each has been given excellence delivery of academic instructions.
We call on all of you to embody Citizen STI as you traverse new path in your professional pursuits.
Citizen STI is a character.
A Citizen STI embodies attributes that foster social empowerment and national progress. From simple deeds to elaborate initiatives, we strive to contribute positive actions that are beneficial to our country, essential for our community, worthwhile for our fellow citizens and valuable for ourselves.
Citizen STI is an advocacy.
As followers of this movement geared toward building a better nation for both present and future generations, we are encouraged to influence others with the same constructive ideals that we adhere to. In order to take this advocacy beyond our closest reach, every day we have to make a conscious effort to not merely lead, but lead with conviction and most importantly, lead by example.
Share your thoughts on how to be the best Citizen STI and inspire others to be the same.
After tonight, no one knows which road you may take and where it can lead you but please remember two things. One. You are Citizen STI. Two. Make your parents, your school and make us all proud!
Mabuhay kayong lahat!
Salamat.
