Closing Remarks of XU President Fr Roberto C Yap SJ
during the University Convocation
27th March 2014
Siege. Earthquake. Super Typhoon. Some are saying that 2013 was a horrible year for the Philippines. A terrible year! Perhaps this may be too extreme an assessment. But I don’t think anyone can deny that our nation had a very difficult 2013.
To face these calamities, our people needed leaders … inspiring leaders who by their courage and compassion would help fellow-Filipinos find hope and strength. Our communities needed leaders who could help them become resilient. Resiliency is usually thought of as returning back to what was before, as a bamboo returns to its original shape after it bends. But resiliency is better thought of as becoming stronger under the pressure. To rise from the rubbles of the siege, the earthquake and the super typhoon, our communities needed leaders who could help them become resilient … who could assist them grow stronger under the pressure.
Today, Xavier University is profoundly privileged to honor three courageous and compassionate leaders who have helped communities find hope and strength … who have helped many grow stronger under the pressure … who have inspired people to become more resilient. Thank you so much, Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar, Mr Gardy Labad, Secretary Dinky Juliano-Soliman for answering the call of heroic leadership when it was needed the most. Daghan kaayong salamat! Good friends, let us give a round of applause to our awardees.
Mayor Beng, muchas gracias for showing us what the wisdom of a Carmelite novice, the compassion of an Ignatian guidance counselor and the heart of an Ateneo teacher can do in times of crisis. As a Jesuit University, Xavier is especially inspired knowing that ever since your formation days as a member of Christian Life Communities, the fire that burns in your heart is kept alive by the spirit of Ignatius Loyola, the spirit of magis, cura personalis and finding-God-in-things. The courage you showed when your beloved Zamboanga hermosa was under siege was most admirable. We promise our support as you lead the rebuilding of your beautiful city towards peace and prosperity. Our prayers are constantly with you as you lead the building back better of Zamboanga, especially its social services and for women and children. My friends, a round of applause please for Mayor Beng.
Mr Gardy, saludo kami sa iyong mga artistic achievements in the realms of music, theater and film … with PETA … with the Loboc Children’s Choir. Your vocation of training systematically our young artists ensures that the talents of so many will flourish. Your passion that our indigenous heritage be preserved, nurtured and celebrated resonates well with the vision and ideals of Fr Francisco Demetrio. Your work of using the many forms of art to build communities is most commendable. After the October earthquake, your efforts at utilizing art for healing the trauma and for revitalizing communities in Bohol were most inspiring. You have shown us that indeed beauty is essential to healing … that art is indispensable for helping people become more resilient. Ginoong Gardy, sa araw na ito, nais ipahayag ng Xavier na Tinimbang ka … at hindi ka kulang … subalit siksik, liglig at umaapaw ka sa sining at pagpapakatao. Mga igsoon, pakpakan nato pag-usab si Mr Lutgardo Labad.
Secretary Dinky, during all the calamities you have always been FILO, F-I-L-O, First In-, Last Out- the disaster areas. Your friends in government have shared that whenever they felt tired with the pressure and problems of responding to disasters, they thought of you … continuously serving, 24/7 in the frontlines, in the frontiers, in the peripheries; and they easily got their second wind to continue trying to do their best. Pope Francis has said he sees the church as a “field hospital after battle” and what “the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and warm the hearts … it needs nearness, proximity.” Secretary Dinky, you are an exemplar of what Pope Francis challenges all Christians and people of good will to become. You have certainly served in many “field hospitals” and not only brought relief goods but have warmed the hearts of many who have experienced the nearness of your compassion. We in Cagayan de Oro know this first hand to be true when during the aftermath of Sendong, you visited us countless times and we are truly grateful for the comfort and kindness you have shared. Mabuhay ka! Mabuhay ang inyong mahusay, matapat at magiliw na paglilingkod sa sambayanan! Mga kaibigan, isang masigabong palakpakan para kay Secretary Dinky.
Secretary Dinky, Mr Gardy, Mayor Beng: daghan kaayong salamat for gracing us with your presence and for accepting University Awards from Ateneo de Cagayan. By your acceptance, you have given honor to Xavier and it is really XU’s pride and joy to consider you as models of leaders, compassionate and courageous. Xavier is so happy to claim you from now on as full-pledged members of our Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan community.
Xavier Class of 2014, may the inspiration you have received from our awardees this morning, always be a source of strength as you go forth in your mission to become leaders, the Ateneo way. Panalanginan mo sa Ginoo kanunay. God bless you always.