PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Virtual Commencement Exercises 2021

“Sail on silver girl, sail on, by your time has come to shine.
All your dreams are on their way.”
- Lyrics from the song “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
 
Truly enough, each one of us will go on sailing; each one has dreams… dreams hoped to
fulfill… someday.
 
I paused myself when I came across one of the “Quotable Quotes” written by Shimon
Peres. It stated that, “ If a problem has no solution, it may not be a problem; but a fact, not to be
solved, but to cope with… over time.”
 
This is the school’s second year to have virtual graduation ceremonies, still due to
COVID-19 pandemic. Further, it coincides with the 75 th year of our beloved Institution in
pursuing service to our youths in the field of Secondary Education—Junior and Senior High
Schools.
 
Looking back on how much challenges almost halted our steps; almost stopping our sails
to journey as we met troubled waters. But in God grace, the waves slowly tamed and then
smoothly, the path gave hope, peace, and light.
 
As we forge towards greater heights of better tomorrow, and encouraging one another
with hands held together, we will have life, bearing God’s armor. We will have a life, in which,
according to Jim Rohn, you give to yourself the gift of patience, the virtue of reason, the value of
knowledge, and the influence of faith…in you.
 
Congratulations dear students! We are truly happy of your achievements and I believe
behind those masks are smiles of winners.
 
Again, please do bring the words of wisdom quoted from Jim Rohn:
 
“We must challenge ourselves right now with a new level of thinking, and drive ourselves
toward a new level of achievement. We must impose upon ourselves a new discipline, and
develop a new attitude about life that motivates us and inspires others.”

May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you in all your plans. Salute to you, Academians!
 
 Excerpts from the Message of Sec. Leonor Magtolis - Briones
International Day of Education 2021 Online Forum
Streamed live on Jan 25, 2021 @ Youtube

START @ 30:08 – 31:20

This is the day when we all pause from our frenzied exertions in our efforts to
contain the COVID-19 pandemic and turn our attention almost exclusively to matters of
education. In the Philippines, education is the most important gift that our country can give to
our young people…

(CUT @ 31:32, RESUME @ 31:41) Education is part of our cultural aspirations. Our people are
prepared to make all the sacrifices necessary; do everything to make sure that our children get
the education we believe they deserve and which will prepare them for the life that lies ahead of
them when they leave school.

CUT @ 32:16, RESUME @54:40

Thanks to our teachers who, along with us bore the terrible burden of transitioning
to COVID-19 education; with all the demands on teaching, on curriculum, on technology, as well
as all the requirements to make us more effective in delivering learning. But at the end of the
day, the bottom line is our learners…As I always say… If I am able to open more windows in
their minds, open their eyes wider a bit wider, add to their knowledge, then we would be happy
enough.

CUT @ 55:45, RESUME @ 57:02

So, I end with a quote on this very, very close relationship between the learner and the
teacher. My favorite author has said that where there is an outstanding learner, where there is a
wonderful, promising student, you can be sure that there is an outstanding teacher…

CUT @ 57:37, RESUME @ 57:55

And so, teachers, learners, non-teaching staff in the Department, we thank you for taking
this very difficult journey with us. I’m reminded of Moses and Israelites crossing the desert for
40 years, under very, very difficult circumstances. And you are crossing the pandemic under also
challenging circumstances, but full of inspiration, full of creativity and most importantly of all,
full of hope. Thank you very much.

END @ 58:50
 MAM HELEN’S SPEECH 2020-2021

Our dear graduates and completers, today concludes the chapter of your academic pursuit
on basic education. High school may be over, but you still have a challenging journey ahead.

School year 2020-2021 marks a new chapter in history. The onslaught of COVID19
pandemic brought even the greatest economies to its knees. Everything changes: business
transactions became virtual, social gatherings were restricted, transportation is regulated even the
modality of educational delivery is no longer confined within the brick and mortar walls; it has
evolved to adapt to the new normal.

These changes challenge all of you to be innovators and self-directed learners. You, our
dear students have transitioned from pedagogy to andragogy. You have worked autonomously
and developed a sense of independence. You have responded to the demand of this contagion
with utmost diligence and conquered the odds. You did your part; you have worked hand-in-
hand with your teachers to tackle every obstacle you have encountered. You have faced the
challenge with courage. You, graduates and completers for school year 2020-2021 are the
trailblazers; you stamp the road not taken, the pioneers who blaze a trail for others to follow and
create a path in times of uncertainty, fear and confusion.

Your story in these challenging times is the greatest legacy that you will leave to your
friends and love ones. As Shannon Alder cited, “A legacy is etched into the minds of others and
the stories they share about you”. Your story of hardship and hard work of trial and triumph is a
great use of life that is spent for something that will outlast it; that is your education.

In behalf of the administration, we declare this blessing upon your lives, “May the Lord
bless you and protect you. May He smile on you and be gracious to you and show you his favor
and give you his peace”.’

Continue crafting an excellent story and leave a lasting legacy. God bless you and
Congratulations!