and graduates of School Year 2018- 2019! I am truly happy for this milestone each one of you has achieved. Be it in Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High or Senior High level, you have done a great job. The many days of untiring dedication to attend classes, prepare projects, participate in different curricular and extra-curricular activities and many others has paid off. The Moving Up and Graduation ceremonies are just but a beginning to something big that could lead to the achievement of your aspirations and goals in life. Just don’t forget the people who were with you in your journey. Your parents who supported you all the way. Your teachers, who have devotedly nurtured you because they believed in you. Your friends who stood by you in good times and bad times, and the many others who cared for you. Make them proud by doing your best in everything you do. Our theme this year is, “Unity in Diversity: Quality Education for All.” Our country is made up of diverse cultures and ethnicities. But this did not hamper our Department of Education in making sure that our mandate of delivering quality, accessible, relevant and liberating basic education to all learners is achieved. Every learner deserves the best education he/she could have regardless of culture, creed, disability and status in life. This is the reason why the K to 12 Basic Education Program exists. It is designed to give the best kind of education to all Filipino learners. As we close this school year, let me thank the parents, community leaders, partners and stakeholders who have untiringly supported our schools in its needs. My great salute to all the teachers and education officials who have committed themselves to the achievement of our goal- the holistic development of our 21st century learners. The department will forever be thankful and grateful for all the support you have extended. Again, my warmest congratulations to all!