DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite – Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte appealed to new graduates of the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) here to “serve, protect, and love our motherland” during its 49th commencement exercises on Thursday morning, July 7, 2022.

“As you move forward to reach the goals you have charted for yourselves, may you constantly be reminded that as citizens, you have a duty to our country,” VP Duterte said.

Speaking before over 400 graduates, Duterte hailed them for being the first batch who graduated from the senior high school program, which started six years ago.

“You are the living proof of our country’s first attempt at producing graduates with 21st-century education – equipped with life, career, learning and innovation, and communication and information technology skills,” Duterte said.

“Hard work brought you here today, and hard work tags along with incredible opportunities that will bring pride and glory to you, your family, and your communities,” she added.

Duterte also recognized the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. But the pandemic, according to her, is “no match” to the government’s commitment to ensuring educational continuity and quality amid challenges.

“The pandemic was no match for the collective resolve of the Philippine government and all education stakeholders in our country, who ensured that Filipino learners continue to have access to education,” Duterte said.

“You the graduates, the parents, the school, the Emilio Aguinaldo College community – you embody Filipino resiliency and the indomitable will to overcome difficult times,” she added.

Duterte also shared her experience studying at the De La Salle University in Dasmariñas, where she struggled to live “alone”.

She reminded the guests how Filipinos should be “resilient” to whatever challenges come their way.

“Life will never be easy. Pero, when faced with a problem, you sit down and think about the options and the solutions. Never give up,” Duterte said.

As the college is named after former President Emilio Aguinaldo, Duterte said she hopes the graduates will reflect on the acts of heroism and bravery of the Philippines’ first and youngest President.

“You are brave. We are all brave. Filipinos are brave. Mahal natin ang Pilipinas. Patuloy natin itong mahalin,” she added.

“Just like all other Filipino heroes, Aguinaldo chose to love our country. And choosing to love a country is an act of bravery,” Duterte said.