“To live your lives to the fullest and be happy. For after all, life is too short not to have fun. But you will only find joy and meaning in your life if you know that you are contributing positively to your families, to societies and to the world.”
These were some of the inspiring words delivered by Dr. Josette T. Biyo to the graduates of Palawan State University during its 50th Commencement Exercises last Friday, April 5, morning batch.
In front the graduating class, Dr. Biyo shared how she battled all the challenges during her college years and how she made it to the top being the first Asian educator winning the Intel Excellence in Teaching Award, getting various accolades and awards locally and internationally.
“By finishing your degrees, you have brought honor not only to yourselves, but to your families, to your institution, and the country as a whole. We are very proud of you. You have reached this far because of your hard work, dedication and perseverance,” Dr. Biyo added.
She also went on to congratulate the teachers and the university officials, and the parents of the graduates, who through their support helped the students made it.
Dr. Biyo is currently the director of the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). A minor planet was named after her, Planet Biyo, which can be found in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
She said that there is “no shortcut to success” as it needs more time of hardships and struggles in enhancing and improving one’s self.
“My road to attaining recognitions are very long years of harnessing and improving my craft as a teacher. I constantly study and review skills to improve methods of teaching. I continue to pursue excellence in whatever I do because I want to give my best service.”
She also added that success means loving work.
“I love my work. For me success is loving your work. And making a difference in the lives of the people and the community you serve.
“Do not be afraid to commit mistakes. Have the humility to accept your weaknesses and work towards improving yourselves. Your strength is your ability to accept your weaknesses.
“Follow the Golden Rule. Being honest in small ways, as well as in in big things. Excellence means you know what is right from what is wrong, and acting on that knowledge. Di naman kailangang best ka sa lahat. It is important to continually improve your inner self, your character, your values and your attitudes. Because for me, success is your ability to inspire others.
“Have a dream. Libre naman mangarap kaya lang lakihan niyo na. gawin nyo pang multicolored. If you have a dream, you will have clear vision or a clear picture on what you want to achieve. Gumawa din kayo ng paraan para ma reach nyo ang mga pangarap nyo. With God’s grace and a clear purpose, you will be able to realize your dreams for yourselves, most especially for your families and for the country.
“Have a relationship with your God. No matter how you conceive your God to be. Tell him your needs, your plans, your heart desires. Personally, I talk to my God before starting my work and when the day is closing down. Most of all, I always pray in thanksgiving for the talents, skills and opportunities, which can come only from him the greatest teacher from all time.”
Dr. Biyo also lauded the University President Dr. Ramon M. Docto and the rest of the faculty and staff, for the tremendous task of managing 17 other campuses aside from the Main Campus in Palawan.
“We are democratizing education, you are giving opportunities and privileges in far flung areas and in that way, help reduce family poverty. And that is also the reason why DOST-SEI is offering scholarships.”
Currently, Dr. Biyo said that there are about 34,000 undergraduate scholars of the DOST-SEI.
“We released almost 10,000 scholars who are enrolling this June or August. 4,000 scholars in the master’s degree programs ongoing now with 125 scholars studying in the other parts of the world. And more than 1,000 scholars pursuing their PhDs.”
“Just like Palawan State University, our goal is not only to increase science and technology human resources, but also to help alleviate poverty by offering scholarships to young Filipinos studying in other parts of the country. There are 1,665 municipalities in the Philippines and because we are aggressively promoting our scholarship programs there are only 46 municipalities without a DOST scholar,” she said.