THE leadership of the Philippine government-hosted Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) rallied the importance of values and character education during the 2023 commencement exercises at Cavite State University (CvSU) College of Arts and Sciences.
SEARCA director Dr. Glenn Gregorio served as the guest of honor and speaker during the 112th Commencement Exercises of the CvSU College of Arts and Sciences at the university's International Convention Center on August 23, 2023.
Gregorio delivered his speech emphasizing the crucial role of agriculture in sustainable development and how it interlaced with diverse fields and helped shape economies, innovations and society.
"As university graduates, embracing the relevance of agriculture in your fields can lead to holistic solutions that address global challenges and create a brighter future for all," he said.
Gregorio said agricultural innovations increase farm productivity and address the growing need for food but many farmers still doubt the intentions of these innovations.
With this, he rallied the importance of character education in addition to academic achievements.
"Your university has taught you knowledge of how you can build your understanding of the world. It has also provided you with skills necessary not only to survive but also to contribute to your respective fields of expertise," Gregorio said.
"But more importantly, I hope and trust that CvSU, your teachers, professors and your nurturing parents have inculcated in you the values and characters that will give you purpose in whatever you do," he added.
He said the best resources now would be human resources and not capital or extensive labor.
Gregorio said the best resources are the people who create new ideas and innovations and are willing and able to make a difference in the lives of the people and society, especially in the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
He also introduced values and characteristics that could guide graduates to future success such as being creative, innovative, and different to stay relevant, especially in the technology boom; practice mindfulness and pay purposeful attention to the community's needs; cultivate curiosity and desire for learning; develop resiliency to overcome challenges; take risks despite uncertainties; be leaders and empower people to make positive change; and more importantly, act ethically and be worthy of the degrees received.
To the more than 1,000 graduates, he said, "We must be able to identify and filter what truly is valuable and true—a moral compass for all people, especially the next generation of leaders among you," daring them to step up and step out and be at the forefront of development.
He also advised them not to allow geographical barriers and perceived hindrances to keep them from maximizing their contribution to the global community and urged them not to limit their mindsets and aspirations.