By Merlina Hernando-Malipot Education Secretary Leonor Briones urged students as well as those who have already graduated to “never stop studying and learning” as she underscored the importance of self-sufficiency, global competitiveness, readiness for change, and continuous learning. Briones was the keynote speaker during the 155th commencement exercises of the University of Bohol on Oct. 23. In her speech, she lauded the Boholanos as scholars and recognized their interest in further education. “They are continuing their studies. They are getting more degrees, so they will be more secure in the jobs that they are in right now,” she noted, referring to those who will receive their graduate degrees. “Never stop studying and learning,” she advised. Meanwhile, Briones called on the Boholano graduates to be self-sufficient and globally competent. Self-sufficiency, she noted is very important. “You have to be globally competent,” she told the graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in her keynote address. Briones also reminded the graduates that they will be entering a world which is facing economic challenges, including the Philippines, and that requires them to be ready for change. “When you go out into the world, the world is not like our university is not as gentle or as kind as our teachers,” she said. “The world is not as complete in knowledge or intelligence as this university so you have to be prepared for change,” she added.