If we look back one hundre years ago, our national heroes fought against our colonizers. They fought with bolos and guns, which were largely inferior to the firepower of the colonizers. They paid with their lives the high price of our independence.

We enjoyed our independence since then, one hundred years ago. But let us ask the question: Are we really free? In the broader sense of the word, yes we are. We relatively enjoy freedom. We have elections. We have our constitution. We are free to do what we want. However, in the strictest sense of the word, we are not. We are not because our freedom continues tos be restricted by many things. Our elections are questioned as fraudulent. Our economy is largely dependent on foreign manipulation.

Dr. Jose Rizal is our national hero. He is so because he fought not with hi bolo but with his pen. He fought not with his bare hands but witht he might of his mind. He was the brain that ultimately inspired the other Filipinos to fight for freedom and independence.

As graduates, you are at the same tract that brought fame to Rizal. May your graduation serve as a burning inspiration to aspire for an even higher level of knowlede in the future.

Congratulations!