VP NOLI TO ISABELA GRADUATES: KEEP FAITH
April 2, 2008

Vice President Noli “Kabayan” De Castro urged young Filipinos to keep their faith in themselves amid growing uncertainties in the global stage as he noted that self-doubt is one of the major challenges facing our nation.

De Castro made the statement recently (March 31) in his commencement address to the class of 2008 of the Isabela State University .

According to De Castro, the “national self-doubt” could be one of the reasons why the country has not made enough headway in the fight against poverty and injustice.

“Perhaps we do not trust ourselves enough to triumph over these challenges,” De Castro said.

De Castro noted that the current crop of fresh graduates is joining the work force at a time of uncertainties. These were spurred by, among others, the threats to major economies including that of the United States , the unprecedented hike in the price of oil in the world market, and “social and political volcanoes around the world that can erupt anytime”.

He also cited the political turmoil and food sufficiency issues in the country.

De Castro, however, emphasized that current uncertainties are nothing new. All generations of college graduates faced the uncertainties of their own time, he pointed out. He cited the impending declaration of Martial Law, the rising communist rebellion, and the India-Pakistan war as the factors contributing to uncertainties in the country when he graduated from the University of the East on 1971.

“There will always be uncertainties but they should not give us any reason to doubt ourselves,” De Castro underscored.

De Castro advised the graduates to focus on their strengths and on opportunities in order to conquer self-doubt.

He explained that despite local and global uncertainties, opportunities continue to abound.

Among these are the continuing growth in the information technology, business process outsourcing, healthcare and services, as well as in the small and medium-scale enterprise sector.

“These sectors will continue to need the renowned professional and human relations skills of Filipinos,” De Castro said.

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