“It’s a time for joy, a time for tears
A time we’ll treasure through the years
We’ll remember always
Graduation day”
Graduation day is a momentous occasion in the lives of
many young people. It is a day when years of hard work and dedication culminate
in a grand celebration of academic achievement. The song “Graduation Day”
beautifully captures the emotions – joy, and tears -- that are often associated
with this special day.
Some of the most inspiring emotions are shared during graduation speeches delivered by, among others, prominent people – thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and celebrities.
The newsletter Teen Vogue in its article 16
Best Graduation Speeches That Leave A Lasting Impression rounded up
graduation speeches by Steve Jobs, Michelle Obama, and Natalie Portman to name
a few.
“You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true
for your work as it is for your lovers… the only way to be truly satisfied is
to do what you believe is great work.” (Steve Jobs, Stanford, 2005)
“I’ve found that this journey has been incredibly
freeing… the chatter, the name-calling, the doubting… was just noise. It did
not define me… change who I was, and most importantly, it couldn’t hold me back.” (Michelle Obama, Tuskegee University, 2015)
“I just directed my first film. I was completely
unprepared… my belief that I could handle these things, contrary to all
evidence of my ability to do so was half the battle. The other half was very
hard work.” (Natalie Portman,
Harvard, 2015)
Writing this article, I conjured up an image of an
imaginary graduation day in one fictitious university. The plot thickened when
due to a lack of time and resources, the university failed to find any prominent
speaker to deliver the commencement speech on the fast-approaching graduation
day. In the nick of time, the graduation committee stumbled upon one obscure
local executive with a bit of expertise in geopolitics.
At short notice, he accepted the rare invitation and
decided to talk about a very intense and crucial subject: The West Philippine
Sea tension. Well, thank goodness to Chat GPT which got him out of a tight
spot. Here’s his commencement speech:
Distinguished
members of the faculty, honored guests, proud parents, and most importantly,
the graduating batch of this esteemed institution, I am humbled to stand before
you today as your commencement speaker.
When
your school invited me, a geopolitical resource person, to address you on this
momentous occasion, I was both surprised and honored. I understand this
platform, in the past, was often given to prominent scholars from the academe
or celebrities with honoris causa degrees.
However,
I believe the invitation extended to me is a recognition of the significance of
the times we live in and the challenges that lie ahead for our nation. I would
like to speak to you about one such challenge that has consequential
implications for our country’s national security, a challenge that is not only
relevant to our country, but also to the wider world -- the ongoing tension in
the West Philippine Sea – a challenge so indispensable for future leaders of
our nation, like you, to get to the bottom of its urgency.
As
you are all aware, the West Philippine Sea has been a source of tension between
the Philippines, China, and other neighboring countries for many years. The
region is rich in natural resources, including fish stocks, oil and gas
reserves, and minerals, making it a valuable economic and strategic asset.
Unfortunately, the competing territorial claims and overlapping interests of
the countries involved have created a situation of ongoing tension that
threatens regional stability and security.
The
historical background of this tension goes back many decades, but recent years
have seen a significant escalation of the conflict. China’s growing military
and economic power has led to an increasingly assertive stance in the region,
with the construction of artificial islands and the deployment of military
assets to the disputed areas. The Philippines and other neighboring countries
have responded by strengthening their military capabilities and forming
alliances with other countries, such as the United States, to counter China’s
growing influence.
The
U.S. and China both play pivotal roles in the ongoing tension in the West
Philippine Sea. The U.S. has been a longstanding ally of the Philippines and
has been vocal in its support of the country’s territorial claims in the
region. China, on the other hand, claims most of the South China Sea, including
the West Philippine Sea, as its sovereign territory, and has rejected the
Philippines’ claims as illegitimate. The geopolitical interests of both
countries in the region, including access to resources and the projection of
power, have further complicated the situation.
The
impact of the West Philippine Sea tension on regional stability and security
cannot be overstated. The deployment of military assets and the establishment
of military bases in contested areas has led to an arms race among the
countries involved, increasing the risk of miscalculation or conflict. The neighboring
countries in the region have a critical role to play in shaping the outcome of
the conflict – they must work together to find a peaceful resolution.
Fanning
the flames, the recent news headlines have highlighted the ongoing tension in
the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines and the U.S. announced recently a deal
to provide U.S. forces with expanded access to its military bases.
Consequently, China has strongly opposed the joint patrols and expanded U.S.
access to Philippine military bases calling the moves part of U.S. efforts to
encircle and contain China through its military alliance with the Philippines.
While Beijing authorities declared that China has “indisputable sovereignty over the islands and adjacent waters in the South China Sea,” a White House high official, on the other hand, called for the U.S. and its allies to work together to counter China’s “coercion and aggression” in the region.
The
prospect of a peaceful resolution of the conflict is uncertain, but some steps can
be taken to achieve this goal. Diplomatic efforts, such as the adoption of a code
of conduct or joint development agreements, could help to reduce tensions and
promote stability in the region. It is also important for all parties to adhere
to international law and the rules-based order, which can serve as a framework
for resolving disputes.
My
dear Graduates, as you celebrate this milestone in your lives, it is essential
to reflect on the world you are entering into the picture and the challenges
that lie ahead. Not just a matter for government officials and diplomats to turn
things around, the West Philippine Sea tension is a challenge that stands in
need of the active involvement of all Filipinos, especially you -- young and
educated graduates.
The
stakes are high in this conflict, and the implications of its resolution will
have far-reaching consequences. But we must be full of hope. We must hold an
unwavering optimistic view by championing peaceful and diplomatic solutions,
while also standing firm on our sovereign territory. We must make an all-out
effort towards a future where our country can assert its rightful place in the
international community, and where we can uphold our values of democracy,
freedom, and respect for human rights.
In
closing, I want to reiterate that it is vital for you, my dear Graduates, in staying
abreast of the facts and wrapping yourselves up in the issues that affect our
country and the world. As graduates of this esteemed university, you have in
your name the knowledge and the skills to make a difference in our society. I
challenge you to stand up and be counted in making the most of your education
and expertise to work your guts out towards a better future for all Filipinos.
Congratulations
on your graduation!
"Though we live in sorrow
All the joys we’ve known
We can face tomorrow
Knowing we’ll never walk alone."
Have a blessed Sunday!
Head still collage photos courtesy of Philippine Star & freepikdotcom
No comments:
Post a Comment