SECRETARY LUISTRO’S

MESSAGE TO THE GRADUATING CLASS OF SY 2011-2012

To our dear graduates, parents, school administrators, faculty and staff of school: my warmest and sincerest greetings on this momentous occasion!

I am privileged to celebrate with you in your commencement exercises which mark the culmination of years of hard work and study, planning and preparation, and investment in time and resources. This day is truly a significant milestone for every graduate, parent, administrator, faculty and staff, as it is for us in the Department of Education. And while we know that it does not end here – for most of you, this is only the beginning – it is only right that we take this opportunity to pause, take account of what we have accomplished, and issue a deep sigh of satisfaction and relief as we congratulate one another, before moving on to the next chapter of our lives.

This year’s theme, “Your Gift of Learning, Our Tool for Nation Building,” extends an appropriate invitation to each one of us. The gift of learning is a universal one offered to every stakeholder in the education sector.

To our dear graduates, remember that your newly harnessed values, knowledge and skills shall comprise the building blocks of our society. The choices you make, the relationships you cultivate, the attitudes you bring to school and work - these erect the pillars and walls of our rising nation. How beautiful and strong you desire this building to be depends a lot on you.

To our rightfully proud parents, administrators, faculty and staff, your own gifts to support and reform education are making it possible for us to hope for a better future. Yet, let us also remember that our actions and examples, more than our words, leave firmer imprints on the minds of the young. The integrity we bring into our homes and classrooms become the foundation of our own future. The justice, peace and prosperity we yearn for strongly depend on the truth and faithfulness we invest today.

We are all architects, engineers and builders working together in this colossal project we call our country, the Philippines. I hope and pray that over and above each of our personal dreams for ourselves comes the larger dream of a united, fulfilled and prosperous Filipino people, a dream that not only benefits a few, but one that benefits all.

Congratulations on your achievement! Celebrate it, cherish it, and let it inspire you to make your own contribution to the development of our nation.

Mabuhay kayong lahat!