Woman of the Hour

I was delighted to realize that in the recent graduation ceremonies of the Ateneo de Naga University, the Valedictory Address was given by a female student, Ms. Sheanly Plofino and the Commencement Speech was delivered by another woman, Ms. Regina Paz Lopez. I think such is timely especially that March 8, 2011 marked the 100^th Anniversary of Women’s Day.

I loved the message of Ms. Gina Lopez which was primarily for the graduates and nonetheless from which I learned a lot myself. She talked about four important lessons she learned in life, mostly from her work in service of the poor in Africa and her advocacy for environmental protection in the Philippines .

First, take life as a challenge. Commit yourselves to a life of integrity and honesty even as you see others enriching themselves from corruption and dishonesty. Honesty, like telling the truth or being a witness to the truth, should be coupled with integrity, which means you assess real situations and experiences vis-à-vis principles and values learned from school. You uphold the truth with principled judgement. Never think you are small because with small thinking comes small dreams and small visions. Think big and dream big. Consider yourself as special with a defined mission. Believe that you can make a difference in this part of the world.

Second is reflectiveness. From each experience or major events in your life, always see to it that you think back and assess where you have done right or wrong. Reflect why you think it was right or wrong. Do not ever let these experiences pass without gaining any learning or piece of wisdom from them. Learn from your mistakes. You should ensure that you become a better person and commit to make this world a better place.

Third is stillness. Give yourself, regularly, time of peace and quiet. Not just external silence but, more important, calmness deep inside. Stop your usual tendency of thinking and reasoning. Allow yourself to float in stillness. And there you will find God. You will be surprised of new things you will uncover from the quietness. You will be amazed of the graces and blessings you will receive.

Fourth, honor and revere the world and its natural gifts. Our country is endowed with beautiful and gorgeous islands – 7,100 of them. Do not take them for granted. We should take good care of them. We should stop mining in areas that simply cannot be mined – the watershed areas, the island communities. Let us help one another remind our government that our resources should benefit us, Filipinos, and not enrich these foreigners who have the capital and capacity to exploit and destroy our natural resources.     

I was truly inspired by this fellow woman who has offered herself in service of the poor and unfortunate, and who has committed her life for a cause. Godspeed, Ms. Gina Lopez!