It was not so long ago when I dared to dream, and not so long ago, when I dared to take the

first
essential steps towards the fulfillment of my elementary education.

Today, together with my batch mates, celebrate our success after all these years of hardship, struggle
and perseverance. We reminisce the challenges that stood before us, and we savor the victories that
came upon our hands.

To our distinguished guest speaker, Hon. Councilor John Raymond P. Allado. Sir Omar A. Obas, the
Schools Division Superintendent of the Division of Cotabato, Sir Antonio C. Dumagpi, the Division
Supervisor assigned in Banisilan. Sir Ricarido M. Quitor, the Principal In charge of our district. The
Honorable Mayor Betty A. Allado, The Honorable Barangay Captain, Virgilio L. Calva, the municipal,
barangay, and PTA officials who are with us today, the teaching force of Gastav Elementary School
headed by Sir John A. Pagayon, guests and visitors, fellow graduates and to our dear parents…. A
BEAUTIFUL AND PLEASANT MORNING TO ALL OF YOU.

From the start that I went to school, I always dreamed of being the best. So, I strived hard to be on top of
the class, but failed to what I dreamt. Despite of that, I continue to strive hard for me to reach my goal
and that is being to be the TOP 1 of the class. I never lose hope, rather I was inspired to do better, and
with that I managed to be on top of the class during Grade 5.

Standing here in front of everybody, have this feeling of pride and happiness. Because I have proven to
myself that I can be the best of what I am only if will strive hard and have a sense of determination and
perseverance. I am also happy because all my efforts and sacrifices were well paid off.

The theme, “Hindi Natitinag ang Pusong Pilipino” talks mainly on our ability to cope with whatever trials
comes on our way. Napatunayang natin sa buong mundo na kahit ano pa mang kalamidad and dumating
sa atin ay nagagawa pa rin nating ngumiti at tumawa. Naipakita natin sa buong mundo na sa gitna ng
lahat ay hindi tayo nawawalan ng pag-asa. Naipakita rin natin ang ating pagmamahal at pagmamalasakit
sa bawat isa sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan.

Young as I am today, I can say that failures and trials should not be the reason for us to say no and never
try to do something, rather let us make them an inspiration to do better. Let them strengthens our
character.
These medals I have today are the fruits of my labors. And I know I could not be this best if not because
of Mama and Papa who were always there to guide me. Ma & Pa, Damo gid nga salamat. To my teachers
for the insurmountable dedication and patient in teaching us. Maams & Sirs, I learned a lot of things
from you which I will value as I continue getting through my dreams.

To my fellow graduates, we end up one glorious chapter of our lives and a new one will begin. New
adventures, new friendships, new series of struggles but with the things we learned from Gastav
Elementary School, let’s keep bodly stepping towards the fulfillment of our dreams and aspirations.

Along the way, we may meet a lot of trials, but our burning desire to reach our goals will keep us from
straying or giving up. Along the way were many uncertainties, but certain beacons of light will show us
the right path to take.

Fellow graduates, please stand…

Let us thank God therefore for His unceasing grace and guidance; our teachers, for their immeasurable
dedication; our parents for their unconditional support all throughout these years; and our friends who
walk along with us, side by side.

Because of them, we were able to reach this endeavor. Because of them, we can truly say, “We made it!”

Let’s clapped our hands for all of them.

Congratulations fellow graduates.

Thank you and Mabuhay.

Source: Khee Khoy / TDA Group

SAMPLE VALEDICTORY ADDRESS (ELEMENTARY)

(Speech delivered by:

Jeannie Rose I Santos, 1st Honors, SY 2012-2013, Magdalena ES, Claveria East District, Division of Cagayan
And

Earl John P. Santos, 1st Honors, SY 2012-2013, Namuac-San Andres ES, Sanchez Mira District, Division of
Cagayan)

Today features another milestone in the lives of graduating pupils like us. It is a day to celebrate and it is
a day to mourn. A celebration because after 6 long years of acquiring our basic education, we are now
ready to move forward one step higher in the ladder of our quest to greater level of educational heights.
Today is a mournful day because we are leaving/ the portals of our dear Alma Mater which cradled us
when we were still little young boys and girls wanting to be involved in the daily school activities.

As I stand before you today, I am faced with the challenges of the fast changing time. Our theme
“Building the Nation’s Future Leaders through K to 12 Basic Education Program” imposes a great task to
fulfill ahead. Yes, it is true that the present generation will soon take the lead in the future. We will soon
be a part of a society where competition will be more rigid than now. There will be more struggles in the
job opportunities, the acquisition of the basic necessities of life, and most of all, the response to the
changing needs of the global market. Thanks to the government! Through the K to 12 curriculum, we will
be kept abreast of the needed skills and knowledge/to open wider opportunities for employment here
and abroad. We will be prepared to combat the battles that may come our way. We will be transformed
into more responsible, more competent and more skilled individuals ready to conquer the world in its
narrowest sense.

My fellow graduates, we can not deny that not everyone of us will continue the course of our studies
and earn a college degree. But we can still be leaders in our simplest ways. Applying the self-discipline
and basic competencies offered by the K to 12 program will lead us to a brighter future/ and be a part of
developing a society where everybody enjoys the gift of living.

But before we finally leave the center stage of Magdalena Elementary School/Namuac San Andres
Elementary School, we would like to thank the personas who have turned us to what we are now.

To our beloved parents, saan nga mabusbos nga panagyaman ti ipaaymi kadakayo nanang ken tatang.
Gapu iti adu nga sakripisyo ken ayatyo siraragsak dagiti puspusomi nga mangawat ti diploma nga
mangipaneknek nga addan kamin kadagiti umuna nga bala a pangsaranget kadagiti ad-adu pay a karit iti
panagadalmi. Dawatenmi ngarud nga itultuloy dakami nga suportaran tapno maragpatmi dagiti ar-
arapaapmi para kadakayo iti daytoy a biag..

To our teachers, we are forever grateful for the sacrifices and selfless services you have given us. Itan nga
maamirismi nga dagiti panangung-unget yo kadakami ket para met laeng iti pagsayaatanmi. The
knowledge and skills you have taught us will be our armor and shield in facing the world with head up
high. Thank you very much for the opportunities you have given us to develop our full potentials and
abilities.

To our friends and schoolmates, we are about to part ways to find the right track that lies ahead. We will
forever cherish the memories both laughter and pain we shared together. But I know deep within my
heart we may be miles away, we will always be there in one accord chasing the impossible dreams that
are planned for us.

To our dear Magdalena Elementary School/Namuac-San Andres Elementary School, thank you very much
for caring us for six long years. Now that we are leaving you, we can not help/ but to carry with us the
victories we have with you. The Class of 2013 will leave you a legacy which will forever be etched in your
history as an institution of basic education. The 15 graduates are proud to say that we have created a
history and set a record having produced the school’s first qualifiers to the Division and Regional Schools
Press Conference. Thanks to our coaches Sir Bernaldo, Mam Resty, Mam Renalyn and Mam Jeannie

To all of you who in one way or the other helped us become what we are now, our heartfelt gratitude.

Above all, the Almighty Father for the gift of life, the wisdom and the expertise you have bestowed upon
us. We pray earnestly that you continue to guide us as we follow the direction towards the attainment of
our dreams.

To this end, I urged my fellow graduates to be one with me in giving back the honor and glory due to
everyone who had molded us to what we have become. We can be leaders in our own little way. Kaya ba
natin ito? (yes we can!) kayang-kaya basta sama-sama.

Thank you very much.

Source: Bernaldo Botsoy Riparip Macugay / TDA Group