DIPOLOG CITY — Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte reminded the graduates of the Philippine Science High School - Zamboanga Peninsula of their responsibility to serve their fellow countrymen and the Philippines.

Duterte was the guest of honor during the PSHS 2nd commencement exercise at the Dipolog Sports Complex here Tuesday morning.

“As we walk out of these halls with renewed self-awareness, understanding, and the ability to empathize with others, remember that success is not defined by fame, power, or material wealth,” Duterte said.

“It is about finding fulfillment and making a positive impact on the world around you,” she added.

Her message to 60 Pisay graduates also centered on the importance of holding on to one’s dream and finding happiness in the unfulfilled ones.

“Dream has the power to build a person’s confidence and strengthen their courage and resolve to pursue something that— yes —may not be within the sphere of their realities, but allows them to embrace the limitless possibilities offered by life in the future,” she said.

But she noted that a person’s dream may or may not come true.

“Dreams may come true. And it may come true for those who will work hard for them to come true,” she said.

But sometimes, dreams, Duterte said, even with hard work and determination, “slips through one’s fingers, causing disappointment.”

“But as adults, we may start looking at the deeper reason behind the failure rather than spending our energy sulking in self-defeat,” she added.

The Vice President said that instead of aspiring for the impossible, people should "follow the path that leads to a place that allows them to reach their full potential."

“This is where we become excellent individuals excellently serving others, our communities, and our nation,” Duterte said.

Duterte then shared a personal story about her unfulfilled dream of becoming a doctor.

Instead, she ended up taking up law and passing the bar, she said she found herself stepping right into the world of politics.

While politics is a world familiar to her, she said she never dreamt of becoming part of it.

“Fast forward to where I am right now, I also did not plan to become Vice President of the Philippines. But here I am. And maybe, this is part of the Almighty’s plan,” Duterte said.

“Follow your dreams. But also find your happiness in unfulfilled dreams,” she added.

Duterte received her Bachelor of Science in Respiratory degree at the San Pedro College in Davao City in 1999. After finishing law, Duterte said she wanted to pursue Medicine but took the political path.

Even while there could be instances when dreams don't come true, according to her, she emphasized that individuals should "always find happiness" right where they are.

“My dream may not have happened, but something else happened to me. It unraveled a special purpose in life that comes with great responsibility,” Duterte said.

To take the responsibility, she added, is to be reminded of fundamental values as human beings that celebrate the importance of families, of loved ones, and of individuals “who have made immense support and contribution in one's journey.”

“And one who has the responsibility and power must be reminded, all the time, that we have been called to follow a different path for a reason — that is to serve others,” Duterte said.

“Your journey will be long. There will be many mistakes and disappointments, but always have the courage to follow your dreams, and have the courage to find happiness to unfulfilled dreams,” she added.

OVP MEDIA