Commencement Speech of Rogelio Arcia (Valedictorian), Class 1960
University of Rizal System, Morong High School
Morong, Rizal, April 2, 2004

Rogelio Arcia Class 1960

Dr. Olivia Feliciano De Leon, President, University of Rizal System; Dr. Hermy D. Estrabo, URS Campus Director, Morong; Dr. Amelia S. Bernardo, Head, Institute of Education, URS; Dr. Concepcion C. Penaranda, Asst. Professor In-Charge, Laboratory School, URS; Atty. Ricardo C. Angeles, Jr., President, MHSAAI, Morong Chapter; Presidents of Alumni Chapters in California; Administrators, Faculty and Staff Members of URS; Proud Parents and Family Members of the Graduates; Graduating Class of 2004; Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen. 

Good morning everyone.

It is with great honor to be a part of this special occasion to commemorate the graduating Class of 2004 of University of Rizal System, Laboratory High School, now Morong High School.  I personally commend you for this achievement.  You had fulfilled what your parents, teachers, your family, as well as your friends had dreamed for you.  As an alumnus myself, my thoughts are that after today's ceremonies, you will all be enjoining a prestigious group called "alumni", of this beloved institution.  Like thousands of graduates who earned secondary education from this school and who are now living all over the world, I can't imagine beaming with pride sharing with you the happiness and joy that you feel this morning. 

Historically, we all had been given the opportunity to walk through and exited from one solid gate of this evolutionary institution.  After our graduation from elementary, we did enter that very same gate, to seek for higher education, feeling nervous, our minds full of anxiety, aspiration, full of dreams.  After four years, we received the high school diploma, we exited from the same gate; this time our minds are somewhat matured, ripe with knowledge, full of pride and dignity.  We are ready to face the journey to college life, ready to look for greener pastures.

You had found high school life as another threshold to a broader field of learning and you took advantage of the numerous opportunities offered by the school.  Now that the high school days are over, you will find yourselves walking along memory lane, recalling the days you shared with teachers and friends in school and at home, as well.  Before anything else, you must first express profound gratitude to your teachers who have guided you patiently.  My late parents had told me "Teachers are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly".  Your friends shall not be forgotten as well, for they are always with you in time of needs.  The most important of all, your parents whose sacrifices and parental devotion made your education possible.  That when you look back, what you will remember most are those times when their care, love and perseverance made a difference in your lives.  In a nutshell, special people like our parents, teachers and friends who take such great jobs in doing special things and making others feel good must always be in our hearts and minds.

Now how can you repay them?  How would you show to them their guidance is worthy?  Their efforts and sacrifices not wasted?  My dear graduates, in this regard, please allow me to share with you a piece of an editorial that I wrote some 44 years ago that was published in the Morong High School Chronicle when I graduated, which in my mind served as an inspiration.  This written material was indeed edited by one of the most influential persons in my life, other than my beloved parents.  She is no other than Dr. Avelina Teston Llagas whom I respected not only as a great teacher and adviser, but also a legend in this institution and in the world of Philippine education system, as well.  Dr. Llagas had mentored me for what and where I am now.

The title of the editorial is ONE STEP FORWARD.

"Graduation from high school is a step toward a broader horizon of a new life.  Of course, we have plans, ambitions and dreams on which rest our future.  The choice of a career we shall pursue depends on various factors.  Can our parents afford to support us for four years in college or could they afford to give us a two-year course?  Is our chosen career in demand by our fast growing communities?  Do we have the assets prescribed by the course?  Are we mentally, physically and socially fit to tackle the work?  These are but a few considerations that graduates should ponder into for if we do not take these important details into account our ambitions are likely to be turned into mere daydreams.

Researchers give dark picture of the professionals who could not get any employment.  There is truth in their assumptions so that we should consider the prospect of employment.  Enrolling in courses, which are not crowded, will facilitate securing a job after graduation.

Graduates should not consider graduation as an end but rather a means to better living, a step toward progress and it also means more responsibilities in life.  We should be assets but never liabilities to our families and to the community.  We should keep up to the expectations of our Alma Mater, as a writer puts it, 'yours is a torch to hold high: and blaze the trails for others who will follow'."

Now that we heard this editorial, the question is how much difference was graduating in life in 1960 as compared today with the advent of internet and computer technology.  In a very real sense, not much different; today's living may require modern, high-tech equipment and innovative ideas that better fit the 21st century system; it may require some technological adjustment a little bit, but we are still facing the same issues toward changing your environment and surroundings not only in college lift but also the future.  It may require adjustment in your attitude only.  Ultimately, there are goals for the University of Rizal educational system that are substantial.  I believe that each and every one of you here had attained and reached those goals.  Goals you could apply to overcome the challenges you will be facing today, tomorrow and in the future.  Success normally don't come quickly.  If you make mistakes exert more effort to correct them or if you come across failures, strive harder and never give up.  If you cannot touch the moon, reach for the stars.

Dear graduates, I would like you to remember these two facts of life:  #1 - roses are red, violets are blue, education is the best thing, no one could take away from you.  #2 - life is a balance of work and play, family and personal time.  You have to decide how you want to balance your life.  In order to succeed, you have to define your priorities.

On behalf of my family, my wife Vilma Pascual, and my two sons, again, I heartily convey my sincerest congratulations to all graduates of Class 2004, especially to the honor students.  And with due respect to all parents and teachers who are here this morning, I salute you for the job well done.

God bless you all, and enjoy your summer vacation.

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