[This is the full graduation speech of Isabel Municipal Mayor Edgardo C. Cordeño delivered to the more than 200 graduates of the 49th Commencement Exercises of the Visayas State University (VSU) Isabel.]

It is #VSUGrad season once again and Visayas State University (VSU) is delighted to feature the inspirational stories of the two Summa Cum Laude and a top graduate student in the class of 2023.

President Edgardo Tulin, Chancellor Jehan Libre, esteemed faculty and staff, proud parents, and the graduating class of 2023, good morning.

I have delivered many speeches in my life, and standing here in front of you today is especially meaningful for me because I know that you all have to overcome a lot of challenges and adversities to reach this milestone in your life.

Pursuing life goals does not only mean walking or running toward them, but a #ProudViscan also proves that you can reach them even while riding a customized wheelchair.

Meet the 25-year-old Mark Ramirez Brazil from Barangay Cayare in San Miguel, Leyte. He is a living testament that even with a physical disability, this cannot stop anyone from achieving his or her dreams in life.

Not just one but two licenses in just a year! This #ProudViscan is truly living the pursuit of excellence.

“Kung duna kay pangandoy, padayon lang.” [If you have a dream, just continue reaching for it.]

These were the inspirational words of #ProudViscan Rene D. Arpon, who received his hard-earned diploma at the age of 55 during the 44th Commencement Exercises of VSU Villaba held on July 24, 2023.

For 37 years, Visayas State University’s extension project the Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI) from the Institute of Strategic Research and Development Studies (ISRDS) is awarded a plaque of recognition and some special awards for its exemplary role as a member of the BIDANI Network Program, a nutrition-in-development strategy to improve health and nutritional status and general well-being of Filipinos.