1… 2… 3… YES!

This rhythmic sound echoed throughout Maceda Gymnasium as over a thousand graduates of the Samar State University answered in chorus to this chant led by Dir. Leo P. Cañeda of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 during the university’s 81^st Commencement Exercises last March 17, 2016.

In his commencement address, Dir. Cañeda lauded the graduates for their victory amid years of difficulties, sacrifices and hard labor. He likewise paid tribute to the parents and guardians who stood behind the graduates through the long and rough journey.  He encouraged the students to dream bigger and keep a positive mind towards achieving a better life. “If you think you can, you definitely can… for as long as you believe, and believe that your dreams can be achieved, your survival is more than rest assured… push yourselves to the limit, keep a positive mind and believe that every morning when you wake up, there is a much better life waiting for you”.

He also anchored his message on the theme, SSU Graduates: Agents for Social and Technological Transformation, urging the students to be the harbingers of positive transformation, nation-building and globalization. As a parting shot, Dir. Cañeda emphasized the importance of being a positive influence to others, “if there is any that all of you should dream about, it is that education to transform you to become a catalyst for transformation not only of yourself but also of other people”.  (JASON L. PADUL, Information Officer II)