Public servant and advocate of Agriculture and Arts Dr. Jaime C. Laya delivers his speech during his conferment of the Signum Meriti medal Award at the De La Salle University's 200th commencement exercises last Saturday, Oct. 19.
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NewsTranscript
00:00Thank you so much to the Board of Trustees, the officers, and the La Salle community.
00:11Esteemed De La Salle brothers, headed by Brother Bernie Oka,
00:19distinguished guests, the University's trustees, faculty, staff,
00:27family members and friends of the Class of 2024,
00:33and most importantly, the graduates of the Brother Andrew Gonzalez College of Education,
00:42the School of Economics, the RVR College of Business, and the Gokeng Wei School of Engineering.
00:51Today, we gather to celebrate your achievements.
00:58Achievements that have been years in the making.
01:02And as you stand at the cusp of a new chapter in your lives,
01:09take a moment to reflect on the history you now inherit,
01:15and the legacy that you are tasked to continue.
01:20De La Salle University, nearly a century old, is not just a place of learning.
01:30It is a pillar of Philippine society,
01:35shaping leaders of government, business, architecture, literature, and beyond.
01:46You walk in the footsteps of the greats,
01:51Brother Andrew Gonzalez, John Gokeng Wei, Ramon V. del Rosario, Leandro Luxin, Enrique Razon,
02:01Enrique, members of the Henry C., Enrique Uchenco, and Emilio Yap families,
02:10names synonymous with excellence, vision, and service.
02:17But as much as today is about looking back, it is also about looking forward.
02:26You, the class of 2024, are entering a world that is markedly different from the ones that your parents know.
02:37The Philippines is different. The world is different.
02:42We are part of a nation of 120 million people, with millions living and working abroad,
02:52sending remittances that sustain families and fuel our economy.
02:59Our country is recovering from the global pandemic with a growing GDP.
03:07But we are facing vulnerabilities also that challenge its long-term stability.
03:17We are dependent on imports.
03:20We import oil, even basic necessities like rice, sugar, fish, even salt we import.
03:31And this reliance makes us fragile in an uncertain world.
03:38Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence promise to revolutionize industries,
03:46but they also pose a risk.
03:52Many jobs, as we know them, could soon be obsolete.
03:59And let us not forget the looming threat of global warming,
04:05which not only endangers our environment, but also the very supply chains on which we depend.
04:15The world you are graduating into is one of uncertainty and risk, but also of great opportunity.
04:27This brings me to the heart of today's message.
04:32How will you, the future leaders of the Philippines, contribute to minimizing that risk?
04:40How will you drive innovation?
04:44How will you create a just, peaceful, and sustainable society in line with the university's mission?
04:56It is no accident that graduations are called commencement exercises.
05:03Today marks the beginning of your journey.
05:07The world does not stand still, and neither can you.
05:13Technology is advancing at a most unprecedented rate.
05:18Fields like information technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping industries day by day.
05:29We must look to the future.
05:32Quantum computing, a field that combines computer science, physics, and mathematics,
05:42offers solutions to complex problems that were once unimaginable and insoluble.
05:50Imagine its potential to enhance research and development, optimize supply chains, and revolutionize production.
06:04But as you prepare to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead,
06:12do not lose sight of what truly matters.
06:17Success, whether in business, engineering, education, or any field, is not measured solely by your professional achievements.
06:30It is also measured by the relationships you nurture and the lives you touch.
06:39As you balance the demands of career and ambition, never forget the importance of family, of health, of a grounded life.
06:51What good is material success if the home you return to is filled with turmoil?
06:58What good is wealth if your loved ones feel neglected or lost, wanted only by the police?
07:08The values you've learned here—faith, zeal for service, and communion in mission—must guide you.
07:19Faith will give you the courage to confront uncertainty.
07:25Zeal for service will remind you to use your talents for the betterment of others, especially the marginalized.
07:37And communion in mission will ensure that your actions, anchored in a deep relationship with God,
07:46contribute to a greater purpose beyond personal success.
07:52Class of 2024, you are the future of this country.
07:58You have the knowledge, you have the skills, and the values to lead.
08:05As you step out into the world, may you not only seek success, but also creative success that uplifts others,
08:15builds communities, and shapes a future that is peaceful and sustainable.
08:24And so, congratulations, graduates. The journey ahead is yours to shape.
08:31Go forth with confidence, go forth with purpose, and go forth with the eyes of faith.
08:40Thank you so much, and good luck.
08:45Applause