ALLEN, Northern Samar — Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte call on new graduates of the Allen National High School here to always pursue their dreams and embrace opportunities that could offer them success in life.

“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,” Duterte said during its 8th commencement exercise on Thursday morning.

“Walang makakatalo sa apoy diyan sa loob ng puso ninyo sa kagustuhan ninyong magtagumpay para sa buhay,” she added.

Speaking before over 591 graduates, Duterte’s message centered on the importance of holding on to one’s dream and nurture their own dreams like they are “cultivating a garden.”

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

“In my own experience, dreams may come true. And it may come true for those who will work hard for them to come true,” she said.

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

“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,” she added.

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

Instead, she ended up taking up law and becoming a lawyer. She said she found herself stepping right into the world of politics, “following a path prepared by God.”

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

“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.

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 ended up taking the political path.

She said even while there could be instances when dreams don't come true, one must be reminded of their “courage to follow a path, a different path, rather than conform to the expectations of the world.”

“I genuinely believe that the future is bright for the Filipino youth, especially for those of you who are committed to making a difference in this world,” Duterte said.

“I know that you are eager to become the leaders and builders of our nation, and when that time comes, you will work tirelessly to ensure peace, security, and stability for all. For now, continue cultivating that garden of dreams,” she added.

OVP MEDIA