DAGUPAN CITY – “Be eager to become leaders and builders of this nation.”
This was the challenge of Vice President Sara Duterte to 588 graduates of Universidad de Dagupan on Friday as she graced the institution’s 57th Commencement Exercises held at the Leisure Coast Resort in this city.
Duterte, who served as the guest of honor and speaker during the ceremony, encouraged the students to dream and follow a path that leads to a place where they become excellent individuals in serving others, the community, and the nation.
“I know the hardships that come along with the pursuit of knowledge and your enormous efforts to prepare yourselves for bigger and better things in life. I know it was not an easy journey for you, but congratulations for making it this far,” Sara said.
“Hindi magiging madali ang buhay, pero kahit hindi ito magiging madali, mapupuno ito ng mga oportunidad kung matuto kayong tumingin sa mga positibong aspeto sa buhay ninyo,” she added.
Duterte urged the students not to be discouraged by failures that come with aspiring for a better life but to be eager to become leaders and nation builders even if the situation is unbearably difficult.
“Dreams may come true for those who will work hard. Never lose hope. Never surrender. Continue to dream, because your life and the life of your future family is at stake,” she added.
Likewise, Duterte also encouraged the graduates to honor their parents and everyone who helped them achieve their significant milestone – their college graduation.
“Pay tribute to your parents who have demonstrated their love for you in a thousand ways,” she said.
As a gift to the graduating students and an incentive for the efforts of the university personnel, the vice president provided a cash reward amounting to P3,000 each to the 588 graduates and the 232 personnel of the university.
Aside from the graduation, Duterte also visited the Office of the Vice President Region 1 Satellite Office in Dagupan City. PIA Pangasinan
