To our presiding priest, respected school administrators, college deans, faculty members, proud parents, guests, and my fellow graduates — a pleasant day to all of you.

Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude, memories, and emotions as we celebrate not only an ending, but the beautiful journey that brought us here. And as I look back on that journey, I realize just how fast time truly flies.

Back in 2016, I was just a young Junior High School student who entered the gates of Western Leyte College with a bag on my shoulder, dreams in my heart, and absolutely no idea where life would take me. And like many students, I was simply trying to survive each school year while quietly hoping that one day, I would become someone my family could be proud of. I never imagined that years later, I would stand here today — speaking not just as a graduating student, but as someone shaped by almost a decade of experiences, struggles, opportunities, failures, victories, and growth inside this institution.

WLC became more than just a school to me.
It became the place where I slowly discovered who I was.

There were days when I questioned myself.
Days when I felt tired of trying.
Days when pressure, expectations, and responsibilities became too heavy.

But life has a beautiful way of changing people through the journeys they survive.

The young student who once walked the hallways full of uncertainty eventually became someone brave enough to lead, compete, represent the school, and believe more in his own potential. And for that, I will always be grateful to the people who helped me become who I am today.

To my Parents

This achievement is not mine alone. It is yours, Mama and Tatay. Thank you for choosing my future even when it meant sacrificing your own comfort. Every step I took in WLC was made possible because of your love, sacrifices, and endless support.

To the faculty of the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, especially to our dean — thank you for believing in us beyond our capabilities. Thank you for reminding us that our dreams are valid, and that students like us are capable of achieving greater things than we once imagined.

To my high school friends — thank you for growing up with me. We started as young students who were still trying to understand life, dreams, and ourselves. Thank you for being part of my journey long before college even began. And to my classmates and college friends — thank you for making this chapter unforgettable. Thank you for the memories hidden behind stressful days, sleepless nights, rushed requirements, and exhausting schedules. College was never easy, but because of the people beside me, it became a journey worth remembering.

And lastly, to our Almighty God…

All glory, honor, and thanks belong to You alone.

Through every challenge, You guided us.
Through every weakness, You strengthened us.
Through every doubt, You gave us hope.
Through every victory, You remained faithful.

We are here today only because of Your grace.

All glory belongs to You forever.

To my fellow graduates

Embrace the struggles, because they will shape you.
Embrace the failures, because they will teach you.
And embrace the process, because it will build you into the person you are meant to become.

Do not rush your journey. Trust it. Trust God. And most importantly trust yourself.

As we step into a new chapter of our lives, may we continue to dream, persevere, and trust the journey that God has prepared for us.

Congratulations, Batch 2026. This is not the end—this is the beginning. Padayon ug Daghang Salamat!