To the graduates of 2019, my warmest congratulations!
I share with your sense of accomplishment at this very moment. I know you can hardly contain the joy for reaching another milestone; the relief and sense of victory from your academic hurdles; and the excitement to take on a new role in the society.
I cannot be any prouder of each of you for surpassing the challenges that came along the curriculum shift in the advent of the K to 12 Curriculum. There is no doubt the process came with high demands but you answered its call with great persistence. If you look back at the times when your educational pursuit seemed so impossible with time and resource constraints, may it bring you sense of assurance that such moments shall take you to high places. I can only hope that the intertwining of the ups and downs of your journey together with every learning you gained from your mentors and friends shall make you true gems of this nation. Realize that the world beyond this institution is tough. I hope we have equipped you to be tougher.
As you venture beyond the corners of your school, may you gather courage and confidence from the intellectual, social, physical, emotional, and spiritual trainings which the Department of Education has provided you with. May your learning be manifested in the ways you deal with the society’s pressures and demands.
With this year’s theme, "Pagkakaisa sa Pagkakaiba-iba: Kalidad na Edukasyon para sa Lahat (Unity in Diversity: Quality Education for All)," may you be reminded that despite the many reasons and circumstances which seem to separate you from the rest, your uniqueness is your asset. Each one of you may have varying beliefs and views as you have diverse culture, but know that your differences are inspirations for constant pursuit for development of our nation’s educational agenda. Trust that the Department of Education has provided you with the kind of academic experience that you need and that it will continue to do the same in the coming years.
I hope that wherever you opt to be, may you continue to embody the core values of our department. No matter what the circumstances are, may you remain to be Maka-Diyos, Maka-tao, Maka-kalikasan, at Maka-bansa. With high hopes, I congratulate you all, Graduates of Class 2018-2019!
