Rosie Godwino Sula (Boi Rosie G Sula)

Fr Francisco R Demetrio SJ Award
For outstanding contribution to culture and the arts

To the president of Xavier University Doctor Mars Tan SJ, Commencement Speaker His Eminence Pablo Virgilio S. cardinal David, DD, vice president Doctor Juliet Dalagan, Archbishop Santiago TG Hayes SJ, Comm. Reden Ulo of NCCA, Datu Alen Sula, graduating class, parents, faculty and staff, guests good morning, heyu lafus everyone.

I am profoundly honored and deeply grateful to be recognized as a recipient of the Fr. Francisco Demetrio, SJ Award for Culture and the Arts, one of the most prestigious awards initiated by Xavier University. To receive this distinction as a Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee for T’boli Chanting makes this recognition even more meaningful, as it affirms the value of preserving, nurturing, and sharing our cultural heritage with future generations in Mindanao.

I extend my sincere appreciation to Xavier University for this remarkable honor and for its unwavering commitment to promoting culture, the arts, and indigenous knowledge traditions. I also express my heartfelt gratitude to my T’boli community of Lake Sebu South Cotabato, fellow culture bearers, mentors, family, friends and supporters whose encouragement and shared dedication have made this journey possible.

This award is not only a personal recognition but also a tribute to the living traditions, craftsmanship, and cultural wisdom of our people. It inspires me to continue safeguarding and transmitting our intangible cultural heritage, ensuring that the beauty, identity, and values embedded in our traditions remain vibrant and relevant in a rapidly changing world.

I humbly accept this honor on behalf of my community and all those who work tirelessly to keep our cultural legacy alive. May this recognition encourage greater appreciation and support for culture and the arts as vital foundations of our nation's identity and collective future.

Maraming salamat po Panginoon sa talent na binigay mo sa akin and congratulations to Xavier University for this extraordinary recognition and for your 87^th Commencement exercises. I will continue to serve as a faithful steward and inspiration to the youth of our cultural heritage and artistic traditions especially for Mindanao. Happy 87^th Commencement Exercises and Mabuhay Xavier University.

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