As we look back on our past we inevitably lose sight of our future, yet as we gaze into the future it seems so difficult to enjoy the present.
Some say that we should live for the moment, but they’re so commonly the ones always whining about the unforeseen path.
Upon reflection, you will see that the unforeseen path is indeed, your life.
Today marks not how far you have yet to travel, nor what you may, one day, achieve.
But instead, this special day marks what you have worked so very hard to achieve, thus far.
So what, you ask, does this have to do with the meaning of life?
Your family has given a great deal to make your education possible.
It is not to be forgotten that just as each of us has worked so very hard to make this day possible, so have so many others. Whether it be through their time, their money or their kindness.
As we move forward, it is vital that we give back what, so generously, was given to us.
This, by becoming involved with the people and events around our community and our country. Become involved, offer service, give it your all and become part of something bigger.
You have been given the tools for creating material existence. What you must fashion for yourselves are those values that will enable you to contribute and thrive in a world that is becoming increasingly competitive and frenetic.
You will doubtless foster advances in education, public administration and business management.
But, such proficiency in your chosen field is not enough to truly develop communities, strengthen the local economy and help uplift the lives of our fellow Valenzuelanos. I would, therefore, like to encourage all of you to focus your creative abilities and boundless energies on entrepreneurship. Specifically on small and medium enterprise, which is now the backbone of the Philippine economy.
In Valenzuela City, there are about 5,000 registered SMEs, and we have so many success stories.
One is that of an aspiring small- scale food company established in 1975, with a meager capital of 100,000 pesos.
The company’s phenomenal growth into a competitive mega-enterprise as one of the country’s largest producers of processed foods is an inspiration to many Valenzuelanos.
That company is now known as CDO Foodsphere, Inc. One of our City’s top taxpayers that employs hundreds of Valenzuelanos.
Clearly, small and medium enterprise help ensure a more equitable distribution of income, disperse economic activities to the far-flung barangays of our City, and are a potent force in our continuing fight against poverty.
Thus, engaging in SME and promoting entrepreneurship, is one sure way of giving back to the community what the community has given to us.
An economically vibrant community, that is our vision.
And I am sure that this vision will soon be realized with bold, dynamic, young entrepreneurs, such as some of you will be, giving our local economy that much needed boost, sharing and spreading your talents, and helping make Valenzuela City the best place to do business in the country.
I will leave you today with one message. No, it is not my meaning of life, rather, a philosophy that guides everything I do.
Give.
Give as if you have never received. Give as if you are making up for everyone who never has. Give as if you and you alone embody the spirit of our country.
And, in your giving you will one day make it possible for someone to become what you are now, a Trojan, an Achiever, and of course, a Graduate.
Mabuhay ang Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela!
Mabuhay ang Valenzuela City!