Warm greetings (Specific mention of names and organizers)

I am deeply honored to be the keynote speaker in the celebration of the 41st Founding
Anniversary of San Jose National High School. What a very remarkable gala and awarding
of honorees!

Barangay San Jose is like a home to me. It is adjacent to our residence in Sogod,
Bacacay. I will not reach our house without passing through San Jose. Whenever I pass
by this high school, whenever I see the students walking the streets, I feel that I am home.
SJNHS, thank you for being the home of many students and graduates of Malilipot and
Bacacay. My sincerest congratulations on your 41st anniversary as an institution of
learning, a safe refuge of the youth, an able partner in development.

San Jose National High School has been known to be a prestigious school through the
years. You have produced professionals, leaders, public officials…successful individuals. I
have known the caliber of public schools through my parents who are both products of
public schools. They have exemplified holistic abilities, honor and excellence. I always look
up to public institutions of learning that have shaped the future of this country. Salute to
you on your persistence and hard work to mentor, educate and care for the youth, our
future leaders!

Today, as we celebrate our 41st anniversary, it is best to talk about how powerful
education is, the role of this learning institution in development and nation-building.

Education is a weapon, an instrument that remains silent but has the greatest impact on a
nation. How we develop, how we deal with our daily challenges and how we excel in our
chosen field depends largely on our level of education. Education plays an extremely
crucial role in our growth and productivity. The skills we need to survive in this life are
learned in school. Schools shape responsible citizens. Schools train our future leaders.
The value of service and the principle of nationalism, these things are taught in school.

As early as high school, the principles of civic engagement are already introduced to us.
Unti-unti na tayong namumulat sa mga nangyayari sa ating bansa. Our character is being
formed to be men and women for others. Our school instills in us sense of justice and
morality.

Education lifts us from poverty. You often hear me say, education is an equalizer.
Education opens us to doors of opportunities regardless of our gender, social class or
family background. I remember, this month, we celebrate Women’s Month. When women
are educated, our families, our communities truly benefit. Altogether, we become
empowered. Panalo ang lahat pag ang mga kababaihan ay nabigyan ng patas na
oportunidad. Gender-based violence is reduced. Maternal deaths are eradicated. I am
totally all in for girls’ education all over the world.

Education spurs economic growth. Countries with high literacy rates have citizens with
high per capita income according to all national reports. However, countries which are still
developing, usually have very high illiteracy rates. Let us push for education for all! I enjoin
all sectors to ensure that all children are in school. It really takes a village to raise a child.
Public and private sectors shall work hand in hand to make this happen. Education is not
just the responsibility of our government, our private sector plays a huge part. We can
provide scholarships, grants and donations. The government shall foster an enabling
environment for the children to grow holistically. We must ensure adequate funding for
education.

According to Benjamin Franklin, an investment in knowledge pays the best interest.

Recent news would say that our country is the lowest in reading comprehension but truly
when we look at our excellent students here, we can hardly say that this is the overall
picture of our local education. Many students especially here in Albay, not only win
academic accolades locally, but also be recognised internationally in other fields such as
science, culture and the arts. Besides this, when they eventually graduate, they become
the innovators, the entrepreneurs, the leaders that shape our industries and communities.
In the digital age, even though we have been facing challenges in truly reaching out to
improve our local youth, the table is set for a greater opportunity for all of us to empower
each other through innovative education leading towards progress and competitiveness.
Let us continue to spur development by refining our strategies and approaches in building
our professional capabilities. Let us work together by enabling digital technology and
boosting our civics education in our national curricula. Through this, we can, with your
government as your partner, we can all make each other instruments to make this country
a better place that the next generation will be proud of leading.

To say, then, that education is essential is an understatement. Our honorees today testify
on how EDUCATION has empowered them, how this school has impacted their lives, and
how their educators ushered their success to be people who are empowered to empower.
I can’t wait to listen to their stories and be inspired.

I would like to express my sincerest thanks for making me a part of this activity.
Congratulations again, SJNHS! I am always here for San Jose National High School. I am
committed to help in making this school a world-class learning institution. Mabalos sa
gabos.