Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte advised graduates on Thursday, July 13, to never stop pursuing their dreams despite the setbacks that they might face. Vice President Sara Duterte speaks during the graduation rites of Allen National High School on July 13, 2023. (OVP photo) The official was the speaker for the Allen National High School’s 8th commencement exercise in Allen, Northern Samar. “We should never diminish the value of dreams — no matter how, later in life, we may find ourselves in situations that might break our hearts and spirits,” she said in her message. “Walang makakatalo sa apoy diyan sa loob ng puso ninyo sa kagustuhan ninyong magtagumpay para sa buhay (No one can beat the fire in your heart in wanting to be successful in life),” the official added. But similar to her own experience of wanting to become a doctor but eventually entered politics, the Vice President noted how dreams sometimes may not come true. “I learned that sometimes, instead of aspiring for the impossible, we should follow the path that leads us to a place that allows us to reach our full potential,” she said. “This is where we become excellent individuals excellently serving others, our communities, and our nation. They call it destiny. They also call it fate. Or a calling. A vocation,” Duterte added. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Respiratory degree at the San Pedro College in Davao City in 1999, she finished law and entered politics. The Vice President said she found herself stepping right into the world of politics, “following a path prepared by God.” “I never did dream of becoming the Philippine Vice President. Politics was not that garden I was cultivating growing up. I dreamed of becoming a doctor,” Duterte said. “But God had a different plan for me. And God's plan is something that we cannot possibly change or defy,” she added.