Firstly, thank you to the Calinan Barangay Council for allowing us to hold today’s ceremony in

this magnificent setting.

Sergia S. Estante, the founder and the school vice president, Abegail Estante, our school
directress, Donato Cabico, our senior high school principal, faculty and staff, guest, our
graduands and ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

As the Junior High School Principal, I am glad to extend a warm greeting to you all, as we
celebrate our students' achievements at this remarkable milestone in the SFCDI cycle. I'm glad
we can meet in person today - something we don't take for granted anymore. This is a unique
celebration held at an incredible time that reminds us of the simple joy of being together.

I congratulate all graduands on their academic achievements, which are the result of many years
of commitment and hard work. However, this is only half of the story. Your graduating class has
faced and overcome a great deal of uncertainty and difficulty.

Education is about progress rather than grades. In this challenging time, you have adapted and
grown, which has surely enhanced you and contributed to your academic success. While your
educational experience may not have been what you had hoped for, it is still worth remembering.
All of the wins and setbacks you and your classmates experienced together have created an
extraordinary bond and made your journey special.

Your generation is the first in decades to be able to take such individual and collective
satisfaction in your triumphs over hardship. Be confident, expect the unexpected, and welcome
new challenges and opportunities in a fast-changing world.

Remember, St. Francis College of Davao Inc will always be your intellectual home. We hope
you will keep in touch with the school after you graduate and begin your career.

Once again, my deepest congratulations and best wishes for your personal and professional
success to you and your families. I'm confident you'll do your Alma Mater proud.

Thank you.