DBM chief challenges graduates of Caraga State U on resilience
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) “Dear graduates, wherever life takes you, I dare you to dream bigger. I have every faith that you will succeed.”
In her message as keynote speaker during the Caraga State University’s (CSU) 48th Commencement Exercises in Butuan City, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman encouraged the 1,939 graduates of the CSU to continue to plan and have ambitions despite life’s challenges.
She said, “You can be resilient leaders who can build a sustainable future for yourselves and the country, as CSU honed you to be problem-solvers and critical thinkers.”
In line with the commencement’s theme, “Resilient Leaders, Sustainable Future,” she underscored the characteristics of a resilient leader as being adaptable, courageous, emphatic and grit.
She also shared success stories on resilience such as the life of Mark Angelo Gamale, who became an orphan at an early age and opted to work as a self-supporting student. She gave credit to the resilience of Gamale who stood up in every fall and did not give up to the trials and obstacles in life as he finished his education with Latin honors.
“Nariyan ‘yong pressure na kailangang makapag-apply agad ng trabaho. ‘Yong takot na mabakante nang matagal. (There is pressure to land on a job as soon as possible. There is fear of becoming idle) Please know that it is okay to feel that way. Life is not a straight path. You must view change as an opportunity, rather than a threat. I am confident that with the education and training you have acquired from CSU, you have all become resilient leaders for the future,” she added.
In line with her duty as Budget Chief, she reaffirmed the pivotal role of DBM and its commitment to providing the graduates and the country a sustainable future by ensuring a resilient economy. “ Hindi po tayo titigil sa pagpapabuti ng ating ekonomiya para sa kinabukasan ng bawat isa sa inyo at sa mga susunod pang henerasyon.”
(We will not stop in improving our economy for the future of each one of you and for the next generation).
For the CSU, Sec. Pangandaman’s staunch support for transparent government, financial reforms, peace and security, women’s leadership and arts and culture made her a fitting resource on becoming resilient leaders for a sustainable future.
Meanwhile, Pangandaman also had the opportunity to attend the launching of the Caraga Food Innovations Centers Consortium, the region’s game-changer in research, development and innovation.
It was spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga and in partnership with the four state universities and colleges in the region namely, Caraga State University in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte as the 5th best university in the country according to 2025 Times Higher Education; Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) in Surigao del Norte with upcoming extension campus in the Province of Dinagat Islands; North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) with six campuses in Surigao del Sur; and the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) in Agusan del Sur, as the next state university in the region through Republic Act No. 11586. (RLE, PIA Caraga)
