SOUTHEASTERN COLLEGE

Strong in Mind and Character

Values and Character Strengthening Program
School Year 2016-2017

STEWARDSHIP
(Opening Speech- February 6, 2017)

Good morning, SECians!

The relevance of being a trust worthy man was all that we reflected last week as we went
along the value focus of Trustworthiness. This time, we will try to initially assess ourselves as
we ponder on the following: “SECians, every time each day ends, do you still have your newly-
bought ball pen with you or you don’t know where you placed it which leads you in buying a
new one? How about your books? Are they still complete or each was lost after the other because
you left it somewhere, most probably on your classroom’s floor, when you were in a hurry
heading home?” These are simple things which I believe is already usual to students like you and
this week’s value focus will help us realize the significance of taking good care of the things
which we own and we don’t—which is STEWARDSHIP. As defined, stewardship is a quality of
being responsible and careful in managing the things and resources entrusted in your care. This
is in line with Students’ Oath numbers 2 and 5 which state.. . (Peacekeepers will recite this
together with the student body)

In one of the most popular parables, there was once a master who entrusted his money to
his three servants dividing those according to their abilities. One was given five bags of silver,
the other is two while the other is one, then the master himself left. After a long time, he
returned. The one given with five bags earned five more, the one given with two earned two
more while the other given with one didn’t earn more for he just dug a hole and kept the bags
there. The master got mad, then ordered for the money to be taken away from the servant and
gave it to the one with ten bags. This parable makes us realize the value of making an effort to
enrich what has been given and entrusted to us. You, as students, can be a good steward as well.
How? Take care of your books. Those are not for free and I’m pretty sure that your parents
worked hard to avail those. Moreover, make sure that you properly use the school facilities.
Whenever you use the comfort room, do you assure that you flush the toilet bowl before leaving
knowing and considering that other students will also use it? How about during your computer
classes? Do you use the computers carefully or you just insert and eject your flash drive leaving
viruses there?
Put in mind that stewardship works hand in hand with the values of accountability,
responsibility and trustworthiness. This I leave to each of you: If you aren’t able to keep a small
 SOUTHEASTERN COLLEGE
Strong in Mind and Character
Values and Character Strengthening Program
School Year 2016-2017

thing, then how can people assure that you are accountable, responsible and trustworthy of big
things? Well, it’s all about stewardship.
Once again, good morning everyone and may we all have a blessed and productive week
ahead.
Thank you.

Prepared by:
Miss Mary Jane B. Fernandez
Adviser, 9-Peacekeepers