CEBU, Philippines - Out of more than 25,000 students who graduated in elementary and secondary education, 253 valedictorians were given honor by the Cebu City Government and the Department of Education yesterday at New White Gold House Restaurant.
It was the 26th Don Sergio Osmeña Academic Excellence Awarding Ceremony with a theme, “Hindi Natitinag ang Pusong Pilipino.â€
One of the graduates was given the chance be on stage and delivered her speech, expressing her gratitude to all the people behind her success.
“Use your diploma as your sword against pride, greed, and conceit. Use your toga as your armor against humiliation and temptation. Use your cap as your head gear against negative thoughts. Finally, use your education not just to survive, but to succeed,†said Diana Rose Comilang, who graduated valedictorian in Talamban National High School.
She proudly said to the crowd she belongs to a poor family but was never a hindrance in her way to success.
“Poverty truly weakens our spirit through the miseries and inconvenience that brings in our lives, but I used it as a motivation to succeed,†she said.
She hoped her fellow graduates would not stop in chasing their dreams, for they are the future of the community and country.
One proud mother shed tears after her elementary daughter received the awards saying she wanted her daughter to finish her education.
Marisa Balmadres, mother of Novy who graduated valedictorian in Babag Integrated School, said she would do everything to support her child.
“Dili ko gusto nga akong naagian maagian niya, kay ako wala man ko’y grado, gusto ko na makahuman siya,†she added.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama reminded the awardees not to brag the award they received.
“It’s not the gold that you’re carrying, (nor) the award that you will be receiving, but it is how well you live life. It is how well you perform as a child, as an adult, and later as a senior citizen,†Rama said.
City Schools Division education program superintendent, Delia Kiamco said Cebu City is the sole place in the country who gives such honor to the first honors and valedictorians of public and private elementary and secondary schools.
Meanwhile, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rhea Mar Angtud, said the theme suits to the resiliency of Cebu.
She said though many calamities have disturbed the city, it was never be a hindrance to give honor and awards to the deserving students who excel in their academic endeavors. (FREEMAN)