The task of nation rebuilding from the debris of socio-economic ruins caused by the elements of terrorism is fraught with challenge. Unless our motivations are unwavering; unless we are wiling to cooperate and pool our resources together in unity and peace we shall not be able transform this nation into a progressive and responsible democracy.

The eyes of the world are on us, viewing our efforts at rebuilding a nation, with curiosity and interest, their hearts are with us in sympathy about the painful truth of the “damaged culture” of Filipinos; their hopes are for us in attaining our expectations, our aspirations for a free, peaceful and progressive society with an improved quality of human life.

This is the time to prove to the world that we can unite for common purposes, that we can attain peace though we live in diverse cultures and that progress can be achieved through the same obsessions, concerted efforts and common goals. For the right actions, we have to propel the values of the people toward a national tone.

The development of the values of the people, their attitude towards the primer values must be known and spread as the starting point of rebuilding this nation.

These, my dear graduates, are your challenges. We have to be committed to answer the needs of the times. The education given to you by your school is the counter force that will check the threats and challenges. Our preferred future, your expectations, cannot be attained without national unity and peace. To effect the desired social change the people must be reoriented. We as the educated constituents must take the leadership role to work for change. We cannot progress if we are divided. We must have to support and reinforce one another’s efforts and build on, instead of destroying one another’s dreams. Make these as the covenant of your institution and you graduates, an agreement as basis for commitment. Dedicate your service towards common goals, strengthening of the bonds that join people by virtue of shared history, tradition, and culture. Unity means understanding of ourselves amidst diversities. It means unity in diversity.

Work for peace that comes from everyone’s heart, not peace by agreement or the absence of war. It must be peace springing from its natural haunts in the hearts of men.

Work then for progress. This means decent livelihood, just wages, a home for every family, opportunities and incentives for honest labor, respect for human dignity and free exercise our human rights.

How can we motivate people along these lines?

The graduates will become the implementors and managers for change. Awareness must be made by the graduates today. You have a different world. Five years of the new millennium have passed. We are the cohorts of this millennium. We will be the leaders of the generation in a few years. You have been prepared for this. This is another set of challenge before you. You have to raise your gaze toward the future. Calculate the incalculable, predict the unpredictable, dream the impossible. These are your responsibilities. Make your challenge your ally and not a foe. There is no room for mediocrity and stagnancy. Venture and explore new worlds. Have the spirit of adventure, the insights to discover opportunities, and the skill to pick out the best solutions to the issues and problems of the times. The fate of the nation is you. The nation lays its trust in you.