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Annual Commencement Exercises, R.G de Castro Colleges, Inc.  Sorsogon May 22, 2021

Commencement Speech Hon. Romeo F. Barza Presiding Justice (ret.) Court of Appeals Chairman of the Board, COCOGEN Director, COCOLIFE

Atty. Gary R. de Castro, President of R.G de Castro Colleges, esteemed faculty, parents, friends, and of course, the graduates of Batch 2021, on behalf of COCOLIFE the Biggest Filipino-owned stock Life Insurance Company and COCOGEN, a leader in the non-life insurance industry, a very good morning to all of you.

To all the teachers, administrators, parents, and family, who have guided this class to get up and try again, to transcend any feelings of self-doubt and lack of motivation, and to reach the finish line despite the circumstances, I applaud all of you.

To the graduating class, I could not be any prouder. Most of you are not strangers to the uncertainty presented by these unprecedented times - some may have lost jobs, family, and friends due to the pandemic; some may even have contracted the virus itself. Whatever the reason it may be, you are virtually here, and have overcome.

This pandemic has exposed this generation. It has pulled back the curtain, revealing our insufficiencies in battling an unseen enemy. It has surfaced a lot of questions concerning the state of government, our health system, the prevailing social and economic disparities, and even our identity as a people. You have missed the face to face classes with your professor and classmates, school works, and even the going up the stage ritual on graduation day.

While this pandemic has exposed this generation's weaknesses, it has also presented an opportunity to harness the next generation's strengths. The remarkable resilience that you have shown the world and yourself in graduating this year represents our hope for a better and more promising future.

It is with this resilience, combined with a strong sense of compassion and purpose that can help you address the world's most pressing problems.

It is resilience that is our way out of this global crisis. In contrast to the other batches that came before you, the pandemic has served as your relentless teacher, imparting painful, yet crucial lessons that no one can take away from you; lessons that you will no doubt carry as you venture into the world to forge your own paths.

One young Filipino you can take inspiration from is Mr. Kiefer Ravena, Cocolife's Brand Ambassador, team Captain of Gilas Pilipinas and recently, the first Filipino and the newest ambassador of the Jordan brand. Kiefer was once a graduating college student like all of you. Even though he already had his collegiate basketball career, it did not stop him from exploring other opportunities and carving his own path towards success. After college, he did not settle. He further improved his craft and pursued other ventures as well. Winning in life is a process that takes time, and it is easier said than done.

You must understand that old ways cannot create new solutions. The world has undergone drastic change; where "normal" has ceased to exist. By grappling with this discouraging reality, you are no longer prisoners of comfort and complacence. The leaders that we need for tomorrow must be those who are not discouraged by delays or detours. The pandemic has shaped you to be men and women who are resourceful and creative. Graduates, your small, everyday efforts of coping with the virtual learning set-up is a feat in itself. While there have been difficult days, know that it is only through difficulty that development can be possible.

Transformation only happens when we recognize the role of relationships and community. As the proverbial saying goes, "no man is an island." During my term as Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals, I have witnessed that it is through the collective strength of many that true and lasting change can happen. My term would not have been as fruitful had it not been for the collaboration of the justices and the employees of the court. The effect of this bayanihan spirit can be seen through the efforts of various community pantries springing in every community here in Manila, where those who have much to spare readily and ably give to those who lack. It is during this time that defines and shapes our humanity - choose to be someone who unites rather than one who tears down; one who collaborates rather than isolates; and one who inspires rather than destroys.

Focus your energies on what is essential. If anything, this pandemic has forced us to let go of our luxuries and our wants, allowing us to prioritize what matters the most, such as our health and our families, which more often than not, are taken for granted. Maximize each day with your families, take time for yourself, and recognize that while the world is undergoing a collective pause, you have been given the wonderful gift of time that would not have been available had you graduated in the pre-pandemic, fast-paced world.

"Invariably a struggle, inevitably an achievement." This is the principle that has guided me in traversing through the countless hurdles of life. I learned to accept that life will always be a struggle. However, it does not mean that I should stop aiming high. Life is a battle but being in this fight is already an achievement. Even though you cannot immediately see the fruits of your efforts, it will all pay off someday. Be disciplined enough, and your success will run its course.

As you leave this fine institution to enter a new chapter of your life, do not forget to hold on to your dream. Use it as a motivation to win your own battles and help the nation thrive as well. More importantly, always remember that there are people who believe in you - your parents, friends, teachers, and the entire Filipino people. It all starts with you, so cherish their trust and make them proud.

Before I end, allow me to share with you the special message of Atty. Rafael A. Morales, our class valedictorian and benefactor of the Atty. Nanette R. De Castro Library. "I have been asked how to meet the challenges in life in general. As we know, life is "iffy" for, as one observed, "if" is in the middle of "life". But perhaps it would provide the graduates a dependable compass to navigate life's journey if they focus on their desired goals and determination to achieve the same. Above all, in this day and age, divine guidance must be sought always."

To the graduates of 2021, this is your time to shape the destiny of this country. You are more equipped, more resilient, and better situated than the rest of us to remake and reshape society. As the great Abraham Lincoln said, "the best way to predict the future is to create it.

" We are all behind you, graduates of 2021. We are all proud of you.

Mabuhay kayong lahat!

Hon. Romeo F. Barza Former Presiding Justice Court of Appeals Commencement Speaker

Your Honor, Former Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals, Justice Romeo F. Barza, Graduates, Parents, Faculty, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen --- a pleasant and wonderful day.

Thank you very much Your Honor, Justice Barza, for honoring our 2021 Commencement Exercises with your wonderful, enlightening and certainly inspiring and motivating message.

I and the entire administration, faculty, staff and students of RGCC would certainly hope that after this Pandemic, you would take time to visit us and further honor us with your presence.

For everyone's information and as he himself has earlier mentioned, Justice Barza was our classmate in the U.P College of Law. While my sister, Nanette, and I and some other classmates were "newbies" in U.P., Romy (as we fondly called him) was among the rest of the class who took their Pre-Law in U.P. itself. Just the same, Romy welcomed all of us as if we were just like them, making us all feel right at home as he did. That's how people-oriented he was and still is. It is no wonder then that he emphasizes and preaches that "no man is an island."

His professional career and history as well speak volume of his character and wisdom that his message imparts very valuable lessons he has learned and live by in no uncertain terms.

I, therefore, dare not add to his message and simply join him in congratulating our graduates, our faculty and staff for their resiliency in the face of this crisis we continue to find ourselves in.

Of course, our heartfelt thanks and admiration also goes to the parents of our graduates who never gave up as well.

Before closing, however, I am pleased to announce with our utmost gratitude that our distinguished Commencement Speaker, Justice Barza, is personally extending scholarships to four (4) of our students graduating next school year (2021-2022). He also prevailed on COCOLIFE & COCOGEN where he sits as Director to each extend a 4-year scholarship to a deserving incoming freshman. Thank you very much, Justice Barza, COCOLIFE & COCOGEN.

Thank you and good day, everyone. I hope you all stay safe and well.

                                                                      Atty. Gary R. de Castro                                                                                                                           R.G. de Castro Colleges Inc. President

This is the essence of this year's Graduation Theme - "2021 Graduates: Transcending the Covid-19 Crisis through Resiliency".

Thus, it is with more reason and genuine pride than before that we, the administration of RGCC, insist to acknowledge and recognize the efforts, sacrifices and achievements not only of our faculty and staff, but more especially of our dear students graduating today.

We were hoping to conduct a limited face-to-face ceremony for this purpose, but with the ongoing Pandemic on the one hand and our own concern for everyone's safety and security on the other, we choose to support our Local Government Unit (LGU) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and not conduct such a public event, and instead, we once again produce this Virtual Commencement Exercises as we did last year.

Nevertheless, as we celebrate in this modest manner, let us not forget, we all did our best and let no one belittle our success.

To all the graduates, I, your Vice President Leilan Hwang de Castro, would like to remind you success is not an accident but the result of your hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, of love of what you are doing or learning to do, so spread your wings Rafaelians. Aim high and always focus on your goals in life. I extend my virtual hugs to each of you, graduating Rafaelians, class of 2021. Good luck on your next endeavor. Thank you.

Mrs. Leilan Hwang-de Castro Vice President R.G. de Castro Colleges, Inc.