(This is the valedictory speech of Paolo Bacarro Araune, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, who graduated Summa Cum Laude, Class of 2015 Valedictorian, and Outstanding Graduate Awardee of the College of Arts and Sciences of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan. He delivered this address during the University Convocation on March 26 at the XU Gymnasium. We are publishing the full text.)
To our beloved University President Fr. Roberto C Yap SJ; Hon. Teresita Quintos-Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; Hon. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Chair of GPH Peace Panel; Hon. Mohagher Iqbal, Chair of MILF Peace Panel and Bangsamoro Transition Commission; Most Reverend Archbishop Antonio Ledesma SJ Doctor of Divinity, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro; Hon. Oscar Moreno, Mayor of Cagayan de Oro City, administrators, faculty and staff of this prestigious university, our dear parents, and to my fellow graduates, good morning!
I fervently believe that peace is universal, and is always timely. It is immutable and people of different roots will seek for peace no matter what it takes. I am sympathetic and I aspire to become an agent of peace in ways I could.
Last January 25, Mamasapano incident took place. We were all shaken, and the question of the lasting peace in Mindanao has threatened our nation, despite the completion of a Bangsamoro Basic Law by the Congress. More than the things that have happened, the challenge for all of us now is how to pursue and attain justice and peace.
As XU graduates, we have learned that responsible citizenship is truly a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. In order to apply this learning, we need to go down to the roots to discover and learn the causes of these perennial conflicts. Every opposing want deserves a negotiable aspiration for peace, because peace in its essence stabilizes political, social, environmental, religious, and cultural aspects of life.
Because of what happened, I truly believe that there is no other path except that of peace. As an Atenean and a Filipino, I need to exert more efforts in supporting the peace process even as we restore the momentum we had before the tragic event. Let’s continue to remind ourselves that Mamasapano must not be a justification for not moving forward in passing an improved version of this basic law.
The visit of Pope Francis in our country truly inspired and empowered us. He expressed his very heartfelt support for the just solutions in bringing peace in Mindanao. Some of these concrete solutions are manifested through effective peace education and peace communication. I move to strengthen inter-religious, inter-faith, intra-faith, and inter-cultural dialogues that facilitate the attainment of a true and lasting peace. Pope Francis suggests that we continue to dream for ourselves, for others, and for the world. Dream is exactly the perfect formula of love. “When you lose the capacity to dream, then you lose the capacity to love, and this energy to love is lost.” Thus, to attain peace, we need to add love, subtract hatred, multiply dreams, and divide what we have for the benefit of others. I move that we set aside our emotions and hatred, and silently be led to seek the common good with an overflowing sincerity coming from our hearts. As what Mahatma Gandhi said, “Anger is the enemy of non-violence and pride is a monster that swallows it up.”
To my fellow graduates, always remember that our acquired Ignatian values and principles, knowledge, and skills enable us to be responsible members of the society. Together, we erect the pillars and walls of our rising nation; the peaceful nation we desire depends on us.
As young professionals of today, we are all architects, scientists, engineers and artists working together in this enormous project of peace for the Philippines. I hope and pray that over and above each of our personal dream comes the larger dream of a united, fulfilled and prosperous Filipino people. A dream that does not only benefits a few, but a dream that benefits all: a dream that will really teach us to become selfless.
We are now spiritually prepared to participate in the Jesuit mission of reconciliation with God, with others and with creation. We are fully committed in striving hard to serve the faith, promote justice, dialogue with cultures and religions, and protect the environment. We passionately embrace and pursue magis; do whatever will contribute more to the greater good of all. I affirm that to dissolve in the hope for peace, is in the presence, now!
Fellow graduates, together with our competence, conscience, and commitment, we can make a difference. We can go, grow, and glow. We can go further searching for our purposes in life. We can grow, as we genuinely exemplify magis and cura personalis to other people. And we can glow, as we submit everything for the greater glory of God.
Congratulations, Batch 2015! Mabuhay tayong lahat!
Relive the first day of the 76th Commencement Exercises of Xavier University here.