is ? 2 a a cote oe r en ee ae ee ee ee ee ee een Cee eee eee ene ee) Year-end Commencement Exercises of the country's first and Cee ee es Cee Sec i Oe ace ce oe Pee ee ee eee cy ee ead Roce LU od ee eS Re Us eee eA ma od Education Major in Technology and Livelihood Education; Ce a es ReaD RC cue Rey De eum eee eT Meanwhile, Award-winning writer Ricky Lee, Hon. Senator Tito on er Ren mae aS eo TO ee Soe A ee ceed Efren Dela Cruz, and Commissioner Michael Aguinaldo served as Ce ie ee‘The story of Sanlago fas captured the hearts of many people ‘went on to search fori, resizing in the en thet the gala and Jewels ave just ght hare he left of. Santiago taught us that when we realy want Something, the universe conspires in helping us tn paalel universe, another boy has lived @ life worthy 10 be heeded. Much tke Santiago, Ronald rose from being @ lowly young boy. who found courage to full his cestiny and pursue nis personal legend. Thus, nating nis story is Ike reteling that of Semtiago’s But with more profundity, Because in Between the lines of this account ar threads that connect one ethnic community from which ne is adored with pid, Inspire by his promise to nave ther ethnic group's name etched on the halls of datinevon, the brave heart In him endured the harsenip of traversing several miles over mountains and vere beceooted just to aland schocl. Not lating goof his aasie to make 8 llference, ne became ine “fst doctor ‘among his tbe, the Tecuray, an indigenous group from Upi, Mapuincanso Fightfaly £0, his PhO in Peace and Development, Master's in Pubic Administration, and his Bachelor degree in Eauestion which he sitined from Notre Dame University, inetuding his Mester of Ars rom Philippine Herverdian College in Cotabato City, hes empowered him to raise @ minority assemblage the Teauray, and all the Insigenous peoples ofthis county to a satus that they ceserve. Me primarly authored lows thst wil protect ena recognize them ‘The Republic Act 6271 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA) and the Republic Act 6824 or the Organi Act forthe Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are ameng the banner achievements he Gedicated to these margializes Groups during his service as a member of the House of Representatives of He ch Congress. Wile epesaning te indigenous Pale Sethe sed wih nest respect hs postin, ening pele attendance during his four-year term ‘The untving pubic servant thet he is, he has hele other severe! key government postions with periular importance to peace, development, and social reforms. Among these include being the Consultant of the House Committee on Incigenous Cuiturl Communes ana Inaigenous Peoples in Sth ana 16th Congress, Member of the GRE Peace Panel for Talk with Mor islamic Liberation Front, Regional Cabinet Secretary and Undersecretary ofthe Cepartnent of Tourism ia ARM, and Commissioner af te Natiansl Commission en Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Regional Consultative Commission, National Centennial Commission, and Charter Change Advocacy Commission. Since then, his relemesa support towards developing the common tao hes catapulted ni to greater heights and made him a recipient of commendations such as -Presidenia! Medal of Ment Awardee” and the "Most Outstanding Teduray Perceiving tat education is society's greatest equalizer, he never stopped learning as he continued to take various courses on Entrepreneurship In the University ofthe Philppines ang on Conflet Resoition from the United States Intute of Peace, andthe Asian Institute of Management, Most important since ii education that Brough! him victories and made him a leader of Nis tbe, he row stves to propagete Seeds of principled knowledge production Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education ‘The metamorphosis ths person has undergone Is one fr the books, and his persistence, determination. and dedication fo his craft are undeniably noble, ‘So what te young Santiago crossed paths withthe young Ronald and they boln decided to hunt for treasure together? The story may sound familar at Ast, but wil definitely end diferent as the former would stil in gold anc jewels uncer is feet, but te latter would attain something far more valuable, The word “successful Is not enough to describe Alberto Lina. He |g an exemplary public servant, a highly-criven entrepreneur, an ‘ardent supporter of music and the arts, 2 devoted father and hutband, nd an obedient man of Gos. Amid al these accolades, former Chet Justice Artemio Panganiban ettibutes our ewarsee’s secret to success to love = “his enormous, googolplen love" (Our awardee today, notes the imponance of love in his book ‘Thoughts of a Flpina Entrepreneur: “love, not Just tke, your work. have a deep passion and enjoyment in what you choose to Go fora living” Indeed, nis profound love and commitment to his ‘etrepreneutal empire and his ilusticus career in government sevice and in the acaceme, ADL established his own private conglomerate, the Lina Group of Companies comprising 23 companies in various files of logistics. agi-business, media, enersy. crest solutions, ond waste end resource management. Some of Ms notable businesses include: Al2!, E-Kanek Pilipinas, snd Ube Exaress, in. Throughout hi entrepreneurial venture, Conmisioner Lina raceivad several ecogntions: Entepreneur ofthe Year from Ernst and Young, People of the Yer by People Asia, Most Outstanding Menilan, the Papel Award Pro Ecclesia et Pontfice, and the Outstanding CPR in Entepreneuiship trom the Phllpping Institute of Pubic Accountants (PICPA), ‘Our honoree wi hailed trom Tondo Is also a reliable and humble public servant. He served as Customs Commissioner frst under the administration of President leva Macapagal-Arroyo, end then under President Benigno Simeon "NeyNoy" Aquin Il. Despite his aehievernents ane sczompliahments, he does not forget his humble roots as he celentessly supports several socio-civlc advocacies tough his affilatons inthe Philppine Business for Social Progress, the Makati Business Club, Mensgement Association of the Philppines, Air Cargo Forwarders of the Philippines, Ine. sre te Phiipaine Basketball Associaton to name a few. He also sponsors the Mania Symphony Orchestra, the Philippine Phlharmenic Orchesia, and the Metro Mania Concer! Orchest, He enthusissticlly holds several chery sctities for the poor and vulnerable, as well 9s generously donsting to # number of ‘churches across the countyexempliying good stewardship of his God-given resourcesHaivuring na “pogbengge sa kahon” ang naimapeng andes ni Lee bilang _manunulat at blan tao. Tubong Daet, Camarines Norte, simu yang Tumabos so saring. kaon ng ako ot mgs nang magbasa. Sa mga Horo sa Isang mit na publi: library so Teneng ayen sa Bkclneteopuen tive ang tekas ng tod na lumabas, sa" kahon. Mang makapauiapos lang vatedietoian sa Chung Hus High School bit ang pangarap na maxapag-arel sa Maymla at" S30n ang 50. posos na bayad. sa kanyang Kauna-unarang malting Kiwentong.inlathala’'s8 Piping Free Pres. sinautan nyeng Wan ongsing ba Unboradad ng Hind tulad ng ksramihan sa mos umuusbong na manunvlat sa xasalukuyan na produkto ng mga akademikong programa at mga pambansang workshop sa maikhaing pegsulat,hinubog ang kanyang panulat ng serling danas sa realidad na makakapsula ive s0° mga Kuwentong tind de Keon. Ang simuain ng kanyeng padlslakbay sa espesyo nq pagsusulet oy Magazine, Midweek Magazine, Malaya Midday, Express Week, Dilman Review. at Sunday Inquire. Patunay ng kanvang husey sa frangen ng panithan arg mga perangal ne kanyang natamo tulad ng Palenca Memorial Awards for Literature ~ Fest Prize 50 maiking Kumtento (1969 at 1970), Notional Book Award ng Marila Cries Circle (1982 at 2012), Gewed Belogtas [1989 nt 2000), Natatanging Gawad {2 Sining at Kultura (2005). Gawad CCP sa Sining (2015), at Ani ng Oengal (2017) ng Famss, Uran, Catholic Mass Media, at Metro Marla Film Festival ay ang Himals, Salome, Mora, Gumspang ka sa Lusok, Andrea Pano bang maging Isang Ina, Rizl at Muro Ami. Ang lan sa mga pelkulang Pina na iinulat niya ay natampok sa mga fm festval sa labas ng Bensa tulad ng Gennes, Beri, Toronto, Cala, Tokyo at New York Hind in makukulong sa kahon ang parma ng kanyang panulat chil ang mga naratbong Kanyang ikinukuwento ay tumatawid se mga anyo mula sa malting kuwenta, sanayaay,lskip pampelitia, kip pantelbiayon at nabela.Nelathal noong 1981 ang Brutal/Salome, lito 2a skip pampalikula na Nnutuing na kauna-unahan sa bansa at pinarangalan blong National Book Award. Naging impluwensyal sa mga kabataang nogsisimuleng megsuat ong kanyang ibrong Trp to Quiapo na isa ring manipestasyon ng kanyang poetka sa pagsulat na bumabangga sa mga kahon ng mga direksyon ot destinasyon. Sa likod ng mgs teleesryenginabangan ag moa Plipino ay nage siyang creative manager tulad nq Samay Wala Nang Bukas, Maging Sino Ka Man, Lob, Only You, st The Greatest Love. Hanguang s0 hasalukuyan ay nagssi siyang creative manager ng ABS-CBN. Ipinailaia riya 6 atin ang mga karaktor sa Kanyang mga nobolang mistulang artkulasyon ng mga Karaniwang tao sa lipunang Plipino na birabaklas ang Bogkakahon ng realidad. 82 una niyang nobela na Para Kay B, tumotak sa mga mambabata sina Lucas, Beseie. Erica at rene, kung paano mang hinarep ‘ang mga panipunang pwerse sa ngalan ng peg-big. Gamit ang malikhaing peghabi ng kuwento,Kalampok sa atin ng nobelang Amapole sa 65 na Kabanata fang Isang baklang manananggal at kung psano mito Iinanghal ang Isyu ng sekswaléad at poittha. Pinagsalia rin nya ang bahay se pinakabago niyang robelang Bahay ri Mara upang bigyan ng tnig ang mga walang Kakayehang magsaita sa Kabila ng panganib Fina mattennran ang kanyangpagbabana! aslanan a! kranasan sa ng naltanokang paukn ang undo ng pasta, Nags sang Poessor University of Sto Tomas. Hanggang sa kasslukuyan ay nagpapstley ang kanyang paggabay s9 mga kabataang manunual sa pamamagitan nq pagbiODay ng Hbreng workshop sa kanyang sarling tahanan na sinimulan niya noon pang 1982 Public service knows no boundaries, Usee. Benny Antipas is an ‘epitome of sch commitment. For the tongest time, ne has been Walbazing the path for ansporent and fearless Journal being the founding member ond president of the Alyansa.ng Filpinong Mamamahayag (AFIMA) and_as Vieo Prosidant of the National Press Club (NPC), which he both ald in 2008, Many believe Aniparda is a greentorn in the government service. But unknown to many, he hae served 95 chief ofa task force under the Office ofthe Undersecatary for Local Governance whe eerving 85 NPC Vice President. In 2007, he was appointed as Head of the Special Operations Group ofthe Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group [PASG) and was eventually promoted as Director of Stratogic Information Service (Counter Ineligence) Department of the sald agency. This goes to show that our very able Speaker Is no stranger to. government \wnen he was alacted Present of the Natlonal Press Club in 2008, he had to subsequently give up Ns post In PASG to dodleate his time as 2 freodom fightor forthe Philippine Meda, In the following year, he was elected Viee President ofthe Confoderaton cf ASEAN Joumalist (CAU) tat holds ofce in From 2012-2015, our guest speaker has served various chic and professional organizations which includes being the President of the Pasay Lions Club In Dacombor 2016, ne was once again called to serve the government as @ Member of the Board of Ditectors for Subie Bay Maropoltan Authority. and by Apel 2018, our speaker wat appolned Envionment and Naturl Resources Undersecretary for Sold Waste Management, Local Government Unt Concerns, Supervising Undersecretary for Strategie Communieaion and Infiatves Service, and Deputy Spokesperson the Deparment [AL present. ne sits as the Charperson ofthe National Soll Waste Management Commission as an altsmate for the Secretary. With Nm atthe helm of NSWMI for loss than a year. the comission hat been able fo review and endorse as mony as 389 SWM Plans and hes approved 308 SWHt Pans, that SS equivelent to SEB% increase in the average output of the Commission for the past seven years Ie is therefore fiting to reer to our quest of honor as @ dedicated and hardworking fn Besurero ng Pinas .dom fighter, who has been recently dutbed as the, “PambansangManny Vilar Jt. is the quintessential Cinderella man. His rags-to-riches life story continues to inspire Filipinos tosay te work hard and pursue their dreams of a better life. In turn, ‘ur speaker dedicated his life towards the same vision: that experiences by all Filipinos Dubbed ae the “dean of the Philippine real estate industry.” Litescapes ine. —one of the county's leeding integrated property developers, and tne largest namebullder in the country which operates six distinct business units—Brittany. Crown Asia, Camella, Lumina, Communities Palippines. Vista Resigences. vista Malis, and Starmalls Our honored guest today was the first post-war public official to have led both legislative chambers ae Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the as Sonate President. He is also the President of the Nacionalista Party. Indeed, ovr speaker owns a distinction ‘Amia all these milestones and eccompllshments, Vilar does not forget his humble Beginnings. He worked his way to eaueation by helping his mother sell shrimps in the market. He holds @ bachelor's and master's degree in Business Administration fram the University of the Philippines, He is also a Certified Public Accountant who began his career atthe country's premier accounting firm, Sycip, Gorres, Velayo. ‘A recurring theme in the political and business life of our esteemed guest is his personal passion to uplit the lives of Filipines. Thus, together with nis family, he founded the Villar Foundation focusing on poverty alleviation, livelihoed, entrepreneurial development, and empowering Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). His lile could not be more accomplished being in a blissful union with Senator Cynthia A Villar wno shares similar passion with Nim, and being a proud father to his thvee children: Paolo, Mark, and Camille, who have since followes [At auch @ young age, Edgar Seavedia had oleady achieved much. His experience and accomplishments are testament to the enduring passion of honing our crafts, the relentless the Filipina name at @ global scale Saavedra is @ quintessential Filipino entrepreneur. After earning his degree on Civil Engineering trom the De La Salle Partner Michael Cosiqulen in 1907. The company nad its humble beginnings when it was initially offered to the public In 2011, By the end of 2017, only six years after it was opened for public investments, the company tripled its revenues reaching P19 billion ‘worter of this year. Currently, ne steers the strategic direction of the 4000-strong company, and personally heads Its engineering research and development Initintives. Aside from his full-time leadership in Megawide, he is also holding other signiticant positions in various corporations and foundations such as the Citicare Holdings Investment, Inc.. the Megawide Corporate Foundation, Inc., GMR Mogawide Cebu Airport Under his leadership, Megawide achieved numerous milestones. In 2018, they led the opening of the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), the Mactan - Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 2, and awarded the turnkey contract, for he Clark Intemational Alport Passenger Terminal bullsing expansion, Megawide was also named Ist Place Outstanding Large Corporation in the Landbank Gawac Kaagepay Awards (Non-Agreultural-based Category). the est Managed Company in the Philppines by AslaMoney. and Gest Small Cap Company by FinanceAsia, Indeed, his leadership propelled Megswide to nigher scales, and nave also Deen © key partner of the government In establishing enhanced infrestructures in the county. Truly, fortune favors the brave. The Zamboanga del Sur native had not only mage his hometown proud but has also created a wonderfulMF tnere is one virtue our nation needs to upnolé at this very moment. itis not the regard for loyalty nor courage but the value of justice and the clamor for integrity amidst the polarity of principles among people. This Is why our country owes so much to the presence of righteous and Decause ne demonstrates what should be done when differences are beginning to overwhelm respect for one has worked his way to where he is right now without losing his views. Perhaps. itis because he was raised by a humble family that just had enough 10 survive at a time when sending children to schoo! was only a privilage of the atfivent, the journey of aur nonores to Becoming "The Ethics Man" ie a story that all striving individuals Tnust hear tabout, Like most of ws, he is a product of public schools and a state university where he had the first of the many laurels he hes attained acasemicaly. In fact, at @ very young age, even without him plenning it, he was already clearing his path towards fectitude when he was awarded in Bagumbayan Elementary School for his exceptional diligence. He was also high school Valedictorian in Dalubhasaang Efipanio Deles Santos in Malabon City. Then, he ventured to being a student of ihe Philippine College of Commerce, now known as PUP. to obtain a degree In Accounting. This exposed him to the culture of protecting the less fortunate ang fignting for their just ane equal rights. Life in a State University may have planted in him the seeds of fairness and ethical Drinciples which have grown prosperovsly that further motivated him to obtain his Bachelor of Laws in the University of the East Manila, and his Master of Laws in the University of Santo Tomas, Manila Reeping the fruit of his hers work, he placed 18th in the 1981 Ber Exeminations. The public schoo! boy who started nis professional his own law firm. Alongside his fellow Associates and colleagues, he turns into ® role medel By working with sheer verecity ond Perseverance, and © leader wha Knows hew to propel others to their respective triumphs aa well. Despite tasting success in various Shapes and sizes, he still commits himsell to paying forward the kindness and generosity shown unto him by his mentors by sharing his knowledge through teaching law in several universities in the country—one of which is his alma mater, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He currently serves as Professor Il and member of the Criminal Law Department of the Pniippine Judicial Acegemy and a Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises lecturer at the San Sebastian College Recoletos in Manila and Cebu City, the Arellano Law Foundation Review Center, and the University of the East Law Center, In all these acacemic institutions, never has he forgotten to emphasize in his students the observance of ethical standarés in the practice of law and to challenge them to prioritize lagal principlas over self-centered econamie pursuits Just as his determination never ceases so does his desire to develop himselt, for. ne nas completed four special legal studies in Countries like the United States of America and Germany in 2 span of 12 years. This has probably given him the edge above others fang nas led nim to achievements such as the “Most Outstanding Alumnus in Judiciary". the “Outstanding Achievement Award” {rom the University of the East Law Alumni Association, Ine. the “National Maagsp Award" trom the Organizec Response for the Advancement of Society (ORAS). and the “Outstanding Gender-Sensitive Justice” from the Philippine Commission on Women. ‘Sen, Vicente Sotto Il is perhaps the only one trom among the present crop of senators who can seamlessly switch from one career to another an accomplished public servant, Iswmaker, sportsmen, and artist in his awn right He nas excelled in all these fields—uncompromising and He has been in public service for almost 30. years, starting In 1988 wnen ne entered politics as vice Mayor of Quezon City, He was then an accomplished actor, artist, musician. and sportsman, Amti-illegal drugs has been the advocacy of our awardee since he started public office In 1968. He continued to pursue the same wunen he was first elected as a Senator and steadfastly pushed for the ratification of Republic Act 9165 of the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002". which is stil enforced up to present. For his snti-llegel rug stance, ne was twice henared by the He capped his Local Gavernment Unit stint by founding the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines. where ne served as the first president ond president emeritus theveatter Following the 2016 elections, he is currently in his fourth term in the Senate, naving served two consecutive terms from 1992 to 2004 and his re-election to the Senate in 2010. From 2010 to 2013 and from 2016 to May 2018, he was designatsa as the Senate head of Senate from 1916 up to the present AS a legislator, our awardee has authored more than 130 laws, making him one of the most prolific senators 10 date. Noteworthy are the following lancmark lews: Comprehensive Dangerous Orugs Act of 2002, Law Creating the Femily Courts. Lew on Tescher end Students Avsistance Program; Children’s Safety on Motorcyele Act of 2015; Absentee Voting law, Seatbelt Law; Expanded Senior Citizen's Act: Law on Local Calamity Fund: Fisheries ang Aquatic Resources Code: the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 land the recently passed Mental Health Law, just to name a few, For him, his family is his best treasure, and an vntarnished record as a public servant, is his lasting legacyIn today's world of political, social, technological, ang economic challenges, people hope for change and a life of DOCTOR IN PUBLIC SGminftraccns for Instances ie perennially rounded. by Teme NOL VINIR YU WV NCO) Sim insurmountable challenges, which the country strives to wwe oo" ¥ MCHAEL c. Ac EGamencemant speaker ine gue publ various government activities, The chairperson of Commission on Audit (COA). as appointed by the Philippine Supreme Audit Instiution (SAl) since March 24. 2015, Ig also the External Auditor of tne World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Labour Orgenizetion of the Unites Notions To lead & government office that is responsible for a1 Important qualities: honesty. commitment, Integrity, endowed with such qualities speak betore us today untability, and tesponsibilty. It is therefore an honor to nave @ person [AS head of the Philippine SAI, he leads the Commission on a seven-year Strategic Plan that centers on six Strategic Goals that will help Improve various facets of the organization in order to create positive impact in governance and society: to empower and enable Government agencies to perform their mandates more efficiently and effectively: to deliver high quality, fair ana timely audits: to Increase stakenolder ownership and understanding, strengthen capacity and capability; snd te enhance support infrastructure Before becoming cheir of the Commission on Audit. he wee the Deputy Executive Secretory for Legel Affeirs of the Office of the President. He also headed the Investigation and Adjudication Office (formerly the Presidential Ani-Graft Commission) and oversaw ine implementation of integrity initiatives consistent with thet of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAG). He also headed the faciitation of legal affairs for the President of the Philippines Including review of proposed and enrolled proposed bills passed by Congress, review of proposed Presidential issuances, resolution of appeals from decisions mage by government agencies, na stuay of lapel and other matters referred to by the Presigent Ho is & lamyer with extensive legal, governance, and administration expertise borne from 25 years of professional experience as Private low practitioner, government official, end lecturer He was @ partner and member of the Executive Committee of the Romulo Mabante Suenaventura Sayoe & Ge los Angeles law firm, Having been with the law firm for 17 years, Chairperson Aguinaldo acquired extensive expertise handling special projects, particularly in infrastructure, telecommunications and energy seciors. He also worked at the De Borja Medialdea Ata Bello Guevara and Serapio law office Aguinaldo is also an educstor. He was a faculty member of the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law from 1984-2015, Salle JD-MBA degree program from 2008-201; and faculty of the De La Salle Philosophy department trem 1987-1980. He obtained nis juris doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1992 and nolds @ Master's degree with special concentration in International Economic Law from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1997. He placed 7th in the 992 Philippine Gar Examinations and a a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philipines PE