The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Franco G. Teves.

The honorable commencement speaker,

Architect Franklin L. Eugenio. The College of Education Dean, Dr. Josefina M. Tabudlong. The IDS
Principal, Dr. Joy B. Bagaloyos. The Assistant Principal, Prof. Minda C. Sexon. The PTAFI President, Dr.
Ciedelle N. Grageda. The IDS Alumni President, Christine O. Magno. Members of the IDS Executive
Committee. Members of the IDS Faculty and Staff. Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

June 4, 2019, marks not only a simple graduation and moving up ceremony but also an important
milestone of our life’s journey. I do testify that this road isn’t the smoothest nor the most well-paved
one but through our hands and feet, we can and we will reach the end. As our blood, sweat, and tears
come into fruition, we are blessed that our testaments are being witnessed by our esteemed guests
who themselves were once like us. Students who dreamed, tried, and failed but also students who
achieved their dreams through trying and failing.

We are often resistant to change. As a result, we do not realize how these positive changes affect our
lives.

Although at times we tend to avoid the changes that may happen in our lives, the academic
challenges that we have experienced since we were in grade school brought us remarkable
knowledge and meaningful experiences. These changes, albeit difficult, made us re-evaluate our
values and priorities. We tend to see failures and mistakes that we have committed as opportunities
in disguise. We found out that every step we carried out was a rewarding process that developed our
commitment to progression. Since we have willingly, or perhaps, at times, unwillingly embraced
change, we are here now, ready to move on, willing to pick ourselves up again and face the inevitable.

Let us not forget to welcome our dear parents who have waited for so long to see their sons and
daughters wearing this prestigious toga of excellence and success. Their efforts and sacrifices deserve
recognition lest we declare our success as selfishly our own and without guidance.

As this chapter in our lives end, a new chapter is being written by the same person who is still walking
on that rough pavement. Dreaming, trying, and failing to reach the end while painstakingly writing his
or her own testament worthy to be witnessed by all titled “My Life’s Journey”. I welcome everyone to
this humble yet meaningful beginning. A beginning of a new chapter, new opportunities, and a new
you. Thank you and God bless us all.