6th Dhsbnhs Senior High Recognition Day Keynote: Resilience is an armor to the future

Thank you for this photo of me ftom the audience. Sent by one of the proud parents.

The stage before the 1,800 plus Grade 11 and 12 honor students entered

With the energetic teachers last 13 July 2023

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty members headed by our dear Principal Dr. Rowena Golez and Dr. Erle Arbado, proud parents, and most importantly, the exceptional graduates of our beloved high school, Dona Hortencia Salas Benedicto National High School, good morning.

 I stand before you today with immense pride and admiration. Today, we are gathered here to honor you, our dear students, who have gone above and beyond, you who have molded yourselves through a resilient educational foundation, you who have successfully completed your K to 12 journey with flying colors. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you.

Our educational system, known as K to 12, was introduced with the vision of transforming our youth into well-rounded individuals equipped with knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive in the ever-changing world. It has been a long and challenging journey for both students and educators alike. However, it is during the times of COVID-19 pandemic that your true resilience is forged, and I can proudly say that you have emerged as shining examples of what can be accomplished with unwavering determination and an unyielding spirit.

In this modern age, where the world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, the ability to adapt and embrace change has become essential. The solid foundation you have built through the K to 12 program has equipped you with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence. It has provided you with a holistic education that encompasses not only academic knowledge but also the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

My favorite thinker Yuval Noah Harari in his book "21 Lessons for the 21st Century" asserted that “Technology is not deterministic. You can build very different societies with the same technology just as you can use trains, electricity, and radio to build communist dictatorships or fascist regimes or liberal democracies in the 20th century. So also in the 21st century you can use AI and biotechnology to build paradise or hell. It's up to us.”

Despite our strong labor market, there are millions of jobs with a high risk of bowing to automation in the next decade. Harari says workers will face a constant struggle to remain relevant as they lose their economic value and consequently their political power.

"The big question is whether people will be able to retrain and reinvent themselves in time and whether they can do it again and again and again because if you have a 50, 60-year career as life expectancy also increases, you'll have to do it not just once," Harari said. "And here the biggest question -- the biggest problem -- may be psychological. Whether people have the mental ability to reinvent themselves at age 40 and again at 50 and again at 60."

He asserted that "it may be the first time in history we have no idea whatsoever how the job market would look like in 30 years. So the best bet is to focus on emotional intelligence and mental stability and mental resilience."

Dear Graduates, as you move forward into the next chapter of your lives, whether it be pursuing higher education, entering the workforce, or venturing into entrepreneurial endeavors, remember that the journey does not end here. The resilience you have honed over the years will be your armor, enabling you to conquer emotional, economic or global challenges, and achieve greater heights.

Today, as we honor your achievements, let us also express our gratitude to the dedicated educators, supportive parents, and the entire school community who have nurtured and guided you along this journey. Their unwavering commitment to your education and personal growth has been instrumental in your success.

In closing, I have no doubt that the resilient foundation you have acquired through the K to 12 program will propel you towards a future filled with endless possibilities. Embrace the challenges as they come, overcome the obstacles at whatever age you are, and let your resilience be your armor and a beacon of inspiration to others. Congratulations, K to 12 graduates! You are all indeed molded through a resilient educational foundation. May your future be bright, and may you continue to mold yourselves into extraordinary individuals who make a positive difference in the world. Thank you.