INTRO…

DR. MILABLE ENRIQUEZ-HO - Commencement speaker

Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus – University President

Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort – Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Ryan V. Dio – Vice President for Research, Extension, & Training

Campus Directors

Deans

Program Chairs and other University officials

Professors and non-teaching staff of Sorsogon State University

Parents and guardians, Fellow graduates, Family and friends

Isang masaya at napaka-gandang gabi sa ating lahat!

Please let me take you down memory lane. Agriculture was not my top priority
course. Yes, you heard it exactly. Agriculture was not one of the options I considered
after graduating from high school. But, since I don't want to waste another year waiting
for the course I want, I thought, "What if I give it a try?"

Back in my freshman year, among the COVID-19 pandemic through online

classes, I struggled with this course that I took. Sabi ko, "Ito na ba yun?". Parang hindi
ko mafeel na agriculture student ako. Not until I reached second year. At the time,
medyo na-feel ko na ung kurso ko dahil lahat na ng mga subjects were Agriculture-
related, such as Principles of Crop Production, Livestock & Poultry Production, and so
on. Medyo ginanahan na ako kasi may mga na-encounter na ako na mga technical
terms, may pailan-ilan ng nakakabisa na mga scientific names ng mga halaman at
hayop, and nakakapagperform na rin ng mga laboratory activities, such as asexual
propagation. Sabi ko, okay, I felt it. And it became gradually interesting and more
intense from mid-year practicum until to my fourth year of Occupational Internship
Practice. May manuscript na, madefense pa, marevise, marevise ulit, mga ilang
revisions, then mapacritique, mapahardbound, sabi ko, "Lord, tabang!" "Bako man
palan ini basta-basta," yet those hardships made me more appreciative to practice the
core values of Sorsogon State University – humility to accept constructive criticisms, to
always strive towards excellence, to be responsible and accountable for my actions and
decisions, to be resilient and cope up with the challenges along the way, and to always
adhere to the truth and be trustworthy.

However, I am aware that every agriculture student has faced being undervalued
by others because of our course. "Ay Agriculture LANG naman yan," "madali lang yan
puro tanim tanim lang yan e," "Saan kayo mapupunta pagkagraduate niyo? Sa kabas-
an?" Personally, pag nakakarinig ako ng ganyan, sa isip-isip ko "May alam kaya to sa
feed formulation?", "Alam kaya nito yung technique sa Trial & Error?” However, I refuse
to prove myself since I think that what people say about you just reveals the type of
person they are and doesn't define who you are.

Agriculture is the backbone of our country. It plays a vital role in the Philippine
economy. But ironically, agriculture is one of the neglected sectors in our society.
Regretfully, but that is the reality. It's because many people don't think highly of those
who are involved with agriculture and this industry is greatly underrated. Agriculture is a
way of life, and way more than just cultivating the land and raising animals. Farmers
feed the world. Agriculture does. As Brenda Schoepp said, "Once in your life, you may
need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman, and a preacher but every day, three times a day,
you need a farmer". And that's when I realized that taking up Bachelor of Agricultural
Technology was worth the try and one of the best decisions I ever made.

Isang karangalan na ako ay humarap sa inyong lahat ngayong gabi bilang isang
Magna Cum Laude. Isang karangalan na may kaakibat na saya at responsibilidad.
Gagamitin ko ang pagkakataon na ito upang hikayatin ang lahat ng magsisipagtapos sa
gabing ito na:
As agriculturists and fisheries professionals - we will strive to support our farmers and
fisherfolks to nurture the land and sea, to ensure sustainability for future generations,
and to attain food security

As educators – we will aim not only towards excellence but to achieve holistic
development of our students

As professionals in the medical and health sectors – we will work hand-in-hand to

ensure the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of our fellowmen

As engineers and architects – we will use our technical skills and values in supporting
and achieving strong, safe, and steadfast homes for the communities

As industrial technologists – we will aim towards increasing efficiency, sustainability,

optimizing processes and systems, and productivity

As business managers and accountants – we will seek transparency in providing

services and to share our expertise to the community

Remember that despite all doubts and criticisms, WE are important and valuable.
Even though we are just getting started, we will not back down and take the duties and
expectations, because SorSU encouraged and motivated us to be that way. That's our
advantage - We have the heart to serve. Nanggaling sa Pamantasang May Puso.

With that, I want you all to thank yourselves for reaching this milestone, and for
persevering through struggles and hardships. Let’s give our seatmates a PAT on the
back for a Job Well Done! You have come this far owing to your strength, commitment,
passion, and dedication.

As we commemorate our accomplishments, let us also take a minute to give our

sincere gratitude to our parents, who have helped us so much throughout the years. I
would like to thank my Mom for not giving up on me, for sacrificing everything she could
to provide my needs, and for always supporting me. "Ma, para sayo 'to. Gusto ko lang
malaman mo na lahat ng sakripisyo mo sa akin upang mapagtapos lang ako ay hindi
mauuwi sa wala. Tutumbasan at hihigitan ko pa lahat yon". And of course, Tiya Ita, Tiya
Alma, Ate Rox, and Kuya Bong. Unfortunately, they are not here with us, but I want to
thank them for always having my back and for assisting me during challenging times.

As I continue this journey of gratitude, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to

Sorsogon State University, with special mention to the College of Agriculture - Castilla
Campus. Here, we have not only gained knowledge but also broaden our perspective
and discovered our passion.

To our professors, thank you for your dedication and guidance. You have not
only imparted knowledge but have also inspired us to think critically, to innovate, and to
pursue excellence in everything we do. Your commitment to our education has laid the
groundwork for our future success.

Above all, I want to thank God for this wonderful gift. For all the blessings He
bestowed upon us and guiding us throughout the years.

MARAMING SALAMAT PO at sa muli MAINIT NA PAGBATI SA ATING LAHAT!