DAVAO CITY – Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte of the first district in this city, through his son Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, encouraged graduates of the Philippine College of Technology Inc. here on Friday, June 21, to remain optimistic and committed even in the face of the most challenging times ahead.
DAVAO City Rep. Paolo Duterte, represented by son Rigo, speaks at the 31st commencement exercises of the PCT on June 21.
Rep. Duterte, in a speech during the 31st commencement exercises of the PCT – a modern college offering high school, college, and vocational education, skills certifications, and workforce to industry courses– with the theme The Future is Ours, told the around 200 graduates of various courses to prepare for what life awaits them.
The lawmaker emphasized that life beyond the institute is expansive and limitless. He said all the graduates must always be ready to tackle potential challenges that come with the future’s highs and lows.
“Do not be afraid to encounter the downs in life. Setbacks are part of the life. The way you deal with these events is what matters most. Remember that success comes from effort and development, not from being gifted,” said Duterte who inspired them to think of Confucious’ teachings whenever they face trials.
“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in getting up every time we do,” Rep. Duterte, quoting the Chinese philosopher, said.
Rep. Duterte urged them to pack themselves with tons of passion, perseverance, diligence, endurance, and hard work as they bid goodbye to the institute. He said that with these attributes, he believes their future will reserve a special place in this fast and ever-changing world.
The lawmaker has been supportive of the youth’s future and pushing for education reforms that would effectively address the jobs-skills mismatch. He backed enterprise-based education to ensure that Filipino graduates are work ready.
Duterte cited PCT officials, faculty, and employees for continuously making the prestigious institution a better place to learn. He also congratulated all the graduates' parents.