by Nathalie Heart P. Herrera, batch Valedictorian of CPU Class of 2025

Delivered during the 97th Graduation of the University Colleges, June 29, 2025, at the University Gymnasium

Nathalie Heart P. Herrera, Class Valedictorian of CPU Batch 2025, delivers the Valedictory Address during the 96th Graduation Ceremony of the University Colleges at Central Philippine University.

To the distinguished University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, our graduation ceremonies speaker. Hon. Ambassador Leo Tito L. Ausan Jr., distinguished members of the Central Philippine University Corporation and Board of Trustees, respected administrators, our CPU vice presidents, deans, department chairpersons, and academic heads, beloved faculty and staff, esteemed guests, proud families, devoted friends, and most importantly, to my fellow graduates of Batch 2025, good evening.

Standing before you today, in the presence of more than two thousand dreamers, thinkers, and survivors, I find myself humbled beyond measure. To speak on behalf of such a resilient and remarkable graduating class is an honor I could not begin to put into words.

Yet here, in the presence of those who built this moment brick by brick, I am reminded that gratitude is the only language worthy of this day. Allow me, just for these few minutes, to sing not my own praises—but to sing back the praises to everyone who made this day possible.

On behalf of the graduating class of Batch 2025, we extend our sincerest gratitude to those whose light guided us through every dark hallway and every long night.

To the Almighty God, who whispered strength into our lungs when we were weary and watched over us in the quiet moments of doubt.

To our University President Rev. Dr. Dagohoy, whose leadership helped shape this institution into a home for learning and growth.

To the administration, faculty, and staff of Central Philippine University, your dedication has lit fires in our minds and sowed seeds we will carry into every field and every community we will serve.

To our families, guardians, and relatives, our silent heroes, you are the reason we stand here. Thank you for the sacrifices you made that many will never see. For the warm meals, the waiting rides, the patient ears. We are here because of you.

Permit me a personal to thank my own parents, whose love has been my compass: Duro duro gid nga salamat, Mama kag Papa. Wara ako rugya kung wara kamo. To my lolos and lolas, titos and titas, relatives, siblings, and cousins, thank you for the incredible support throughout these years.

To my friends and classmates in and out of CPU, especially to my friends and classmates in Political Science and Public Administration, thank you for sharing this journey—for the debates that sharpened our convictions, for the recitations that taught us how to think on our feet, and for the shared silences that reminded us that growth isn’t always loud.

In those moments, I learned that courage isn’t the absence of fear. It is the ability to speak truth despite it. And in a time when our country demands fearless thinkers, discerning voices, and principled action, may we rise to meet that call. Not just as graduates, but as engaged citizens. As leaders who listen, and servants who lead.

To my fellow graduates, we owe it to ourselves to breathe in this victory. We have weathered sleepless nights and silent battles. We have lost, learned, and survived a pandemic that took up more than a quarter of our college years and rewrote our lives.

Still, here we are.

Whether you bear awards and honors or not, know this: medals glint in the sun, but character gleams in the dark. And it was in the dark that we found our strength.

And to our peers who couldn’t join us on stage today. Whether your journey was delayed, redirected, or paused, know that your efforts still matter. You are not behind—you are simply on a different path.

So, I say to you, my fellow graduates, hold your chin high. Not because of what’s hanging on your neck, but because of the weight you’ve carried on your shoulders and still chose to rise.

This, however, is not the end of the road. This is the first page of a new chapter.

Beyond the walls of Central, life will continue to test us. But we will not walk forward empty-handed. We walk forward armed.

With Faith, that lights the way when logic falls short.

With Character, that anchors us in turbulent times.

With Stewardship, to serve not just ourselves, but others and our surroundings.

With Justice, to lift those unheard and unseen.

And with Excellence, not for applause, but for purpose.

This is who we are. This is who Central shaped us to be. And we will move forward, as we always have, with both science and faith. Scientia et Fides.

As we step into the unknown, let us go with chins high and hearts open. Let us stumble, if we must, but never stop rising.

Congratulations, Batch 2025. We made it!

Thank you, and may we walk into the world as the hope we’ve been waiting for.