FULL SPEECH: Kara David at UP Cebu's 87th Commencement Exercises | Husay, Dangal, at Serbisyo

Commencement Speech by Assistant Professor Patri David

Introduction and Acknowledgments

• The speaker, Assistant Professor Patri David, expresses gratitude for the invitation to be the commencement speaker.

• Opens with greetings in Cebuano and acknowledges various dignitaries including Chancellor Leo Malagar and President Angelo Jimenez.

• Assures graduates that the speech will not be a boring lecture but rather a storytelling session.

Personal Journey and Lessons Learned

• Emphasizes that much of what will be shared comes from stories of others encountered over 30 years as a journalist.

• Reflects on personal educational journey, noting it took nine years to complete a master's degree, encouraging graduates about their own achievements.

Key Concepts: Honor, Excellence, Service

Excellence (Husay)

• Introduces three key words: honor (dangal), excellence (husay), and service (serbisyo).

• Shares the story of Daniel Pablo, an uneducated chief of the Agta community who exemplifies true excellence through his skills in fishing eels.

• Highlights Daniel's act of sharing his earnings with his community instead of keeping it for himself.

Honor (Dangal)

• Discusses the concept of honor through the story of Janaret Biao, a farmer facing economic hardships due to falling vegetable prices.

• Illustrates Janaret's integrity despite financial struggles; she refuses to resort to dishonesty or theft.

Service (Serbisyo)

• Transitions into discussing service by introducing Kuya Joel Hindon from Tiboli South Cotabato who serves his community selflessly even at great personal risk.

• Quotes Kuya Joel on dedication to serving others without regard for personal fatigue or comfort.

Call to Action for Graduates

• Urges graduates to remember their responsibility towards society and use their education for communal upliftment rather than individual gain.

• Concludes with a message about wealth being measured by generosity and encourages giving back to communities.

Closing Remarks

• Ends with a heartfelt wish for achieving an equitable society where no one is left behind.

• Congratulates UP Cebu Class of 2026 on their achievements while reminding them not to forget their duty towards the nation.