UNEP Graduates Applaud Former Defense Secretary Teodoro’s Message of Inspiration

The jam-packed gym of the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) was filled with applause and praises after Former Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro delivered his inspirational message to more than 300 graduates.  This was the university's 62^nd Commencement Exercise held April 6, 2010.

Teodoro's speech, though short and quick, had left a consequential mark on the hearts of its recipients.

"This is a celebration of learning, for you have successfully finished your chosen degrees.  You have sacrificed and burned your brows, but you should not forget to thank all those who have helped you.  Thank your teachers for having that patience and fortitude to guide you. Thank your parents for the opportunity they have given you, for all their sacrifices and care."

The LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD standard bearer accepted UNEP's invitation despite his hectic campaign schedule.  According to Atty. Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda, UNEP President, Teodoro's acknowledgment of their invitation is indeed a mark of his genuine interest in being a part of significant academic undertakings.

In his speech, the LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD presidential aspirant posed a great challenge to the graduates.  "You have to find yourselves in the real world. Four years of study is not enough since studying and learning never stop. There is a constant struggle to catch up with the increasing pace of the world that all of us need to cope with."

Teodoro added that real learning starts from an individual's acceptance that he doesn't know everything.  "Knowledge and what you can learn even from the simplest person is perhaps the most valuable thing and the realization that we still have a lot to learn from others, is a step towards personal liberation and freedom."

Before concluding his speech, Teodoro invited his audience to be a part of a significant leap towards a better change. "Be a participant in the electoral process, in whatever way, and use your best judgment of what is best for you, and what is good for your country."

Cong. Nancing Alfelor, LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD Gubernatorial Candidate also expressed his great appreciation for Teodoro in gracing UNEP's academic exercise.

"Sec. Gibo could indeed be a man of few words, but he is certainly a man of action.  Since he entered politics, he had already proven himself. In 1980, he was elected Kabataang Barangay President in his hometown Tarlac and became Central Luzon 's Kabataang Barangay President for five years and have maintained a clean record of governance."

Teodoro, is a bonafide member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Tarlac from 1980 to 1986.   He took his college degree at the De La Salle University in 1984 and graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Financial Institutions.  He received the Dean's Medal for Academic Excellence in 1989 after finishing his law degree at the University of the Philippines .  On the same year, he topped the Philippine Bar exams.  Eight years after, he passed the New York State Bar Examinations.

As the youngest Department of National Defense Secretary, "Gibo", as what he is fondly called by friends and supporters, is determined in preserving the security of our country.