To our perpetually stunning President, Dr. Lynette Bontia.

To our respected Vice

President for Academic Affairs, Ma’am Grace Buencillo. To the Dean of IFMS Mr. John Paul
Pacyao. To our program head, Mrs. Jessa May Marquez. To our Regional Director, of BFAR
XI, Sir RELLY B. GARCIA. To the dedicated staff of IFMS, our valued students, beloved
families, and esteemed friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Maayong udto kanatong tanan!

I am deeply honored and grateful to stand before you today, surrounded by

esteemed colleagues, mentors, and friends.

It's been quite a wavy expedition embarking every crest and trough before finally
obtaining my license. Navigating through the challenges of learning during a pandemic
significantly influenced my confidence when taking the board exam. The path hasn't been
straightforward; I dealt with modules from the first year of college and only experienced
face-to-face classes in my last year.
Ang hirap maidigest yung lessons through modules lang. I know some of you can
relate to this.
Initially, I already made a decision not to take the board exam because I know my
capacity and masasabi ko kulang pa talaga. I started to doubt myself kasi nakikita ko mga
senior natin na nag wowork na sa field pero di pa nagboboard. Like kabright gud nako kung
mutake ko this year.
But then again, God has a better plan and he introduced me to my mentor, adviser
and also a friend, Sir Kher Dave Donos, who pushes me beyond my limit and believes na
“Kaya na nimo Kaye” “Kanus-a paman ka mag take kung dili karun?” “Pasar lagi na”
With determination, I grabbed the challenge. How can I assess my capability if I
wouldn’t try right? Review session started from May to July. After that, may mock board.
Ana ko sa akong kaugalingon kaya ra ko ni sayon rani. Sus kay nabagsak man. Action nakog
kabalaka kay August na unya ang board exam October. Pwede man diay mu retake, retake
sad ko. Days turned weeks, wala paman ang result. Wala koy laing gipangayo sa akong
birthday, Lord if akoa jud ni, papasaron ko nimog mock board.
The moment nga naapil ko sa group chat for the LEFP takers, this is it, and the real
battle has officially started. Our review set-up was only on weekends, the rest of the week,
self-review. The “kubo” in the hatchery witnessed kung paano mi mag review. Agian rag
sugba, study gamay, kaon dako. Well, sa mutuo mog sa dili mas makatoun ka during tabi
sessions.
 The remaining days of October focuses still on review, a very tiring month for all of
us. Basa diri, Basa didto mahuman lang ang libro. All resources basahon. It’s like a never
ending cycle review from 8 am to 11 pm. I can’t really imagine how I managed to do that.
Moving on, October 25-26 , the day has come. The moment I entered the
examination room, maskin unsa ka bugnaw, hastang singota sa akong tiil og kamot, dili ma
explain ang emotion. Pero kabalo mo unsay nitatak sa akoa before mi nanulod? Ana si Sir
Dave, makit an lagi tamo sayo mugawas nah with matching litik pa na hah.
The exam is hard. Really hard. It focuses really on the field. We have 4 hours in each
area. Aquaculture, Capture, ARE, and Post-harvest. At first glance ko sa test paper,
Aquaculture yun, number 1, Aquaculture engineering yung question. Di ko alam yun. So ang
ginawa ko, punta ako ng number 100 dun ako nag start mag answer kasi feeling ko madali
lang. Mabuti walang computations, kaya natapos ko agad may 20 minutes pang natitira. So
idlip muna ako kasi 1 pm pa ang next area. Pag dating ng 1 pm kung anong itinagal kong
tapusin yung aquaculture na area yun din yung kinadali kong matapos ang Capture
Fisheries. Maskin bali balihon pa nakog answer, sa tunga2 ko mag sugod sa last page. Wa
man gihapoy mausab sa akong answer. Pero you know guys, lisod ang board exam. Pero
naa ra jud sa resources ang uban na question dili man 100% naa pero naa jud. Sa
summarized book, you need to read that. Mga 50% of question nandun. Kaya ngayon
palang, you need to read, read, and read. You set a schedule atleast may mabasa kayong
isang chapter per week.
After a week lumabas ang result and finally Registered Fisheries Professional na si
Kayang!
The moment I found my name on the list of passers is not only a personal triumph
but a shared achievement that wouldn't have been possible without the support and
encouragement of each one of you.
To my family, especially to my mama and papa your love has been my constant, and
your unwavering support has been my strength. I express my deepest gratitude for being
my pillars of encouragement from the beginning, for understanding the late nights and
sacrifices, and for celebrating this achievement as if it were your own.
To my friends, you've been my steadfast companions through various challenges.
Your laughter, shared moments, and words of encouragement have illuminated my journey.
I am truly fortunate to have friends who stood by me, offering cheers during tough times.
Remember, rather than competing with friends, it's better to support each other.
 To my mentors and educators, you've not only shared knowledge but also motivated
me to aim higher. Your guidance has shaped my understanding, and your wisdom has
fueled my aspirations. I am sincerely thankful for the invaluable lessons you've imparted and
the confidence you've instilled in me.
To the institution, I extend my appreciation for providing an environment conducive
to learning and personal growth. The presented challenges and opportunities have sculpted
me into the person I am today. I am grateful for the education, experiences, and the sense
of community that have become integral aspects of my journey.
Above all, to God, I express gratitude for the grace that sustained me. Your presence
has been my source of hope and strength. In moments of uncertainty, it was your light that
guided me. This achievement is a testament to your unwavering faithfulness.
To my fellow kaisda, to my fellow BFAR scholars, Never stop dreaming and don’t let
anyone kill the fire burning inside you. Padayon og bugsay!
As I embark on this next phase, I bring with me the affection, knowledge, and
encouragement generously bestowed by all of you. This accomplishment goes beyond mere
exam success; it symbolizes the combined contributions, shared joy, and the conviction that,
united, we can surmount any obstacle.
With profound gratitude, thank you. May our collective journey persist in being
marked by joint triumphs, love, and instances that give life its true significance.
Maraming Salamat po!