NAAWAN, Misamis Oriental – Graduation day is a momentous occasion that celebrates academic achievements and marks the transition to a new chapter in life. For the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) Director Edward B. Yasay, however, the significance of this milestone went far beyond the usual pomp and circumstance.
NAAWAN, Misamis Oriental – Graduation day is a momentous occasion that celebrates academic achievements and marks the transition to a new chapter in life. For the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) Director Edward B. Yasay, however, the significance of this milestone went far beyond the usual pomp and circumstance.
Having been unable to attend his own college graduation rites, his presence at the Mindanao State University in Naawan (MSU-Naawan) held profound meaning as he shared his inspiring journey of overcoming obstacles to reach great heights in his career.
“I pondered long and deep as I look back from where I once was. I tried to recall what it was during my graduation, but then I remembered I was not able to attend my graduation ceremonies as I could not bring my family to the university grounds for financial reasons” Director Yasay began.
With each word, Director Yasay’s speech resonated deeply with the graduates, many of whom could relate to overcoming adversities throughout their academic journey. He spoke about his unwavering determination to keep pushing forward, even when the odds seemed insurmountable.
“Life does not stop at getting a degree, it only opens a new chapter and a new shot at life. Our successes may vary and our appreciation may differ but what matters is we always move forward each time,” imparted the director.
Director Yasay emphasized the importance of perseverance, hope, and gratitude as the driving forces behind personal growth and professional achievements. The setbacks he encountered only fueled his passion to excel in his chosen field and to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
“We do not always get the life that we wanted, but we can always have the opportunity to shape it the way we wanted it to be and could only hope for the best or at least that we find comfort in the consequences of our decisions,” he said, his words echoing with a sense of conviction. “Always put to good use what you have learned and be the citizens that our country needs you to be.”
The graduates hung on to every word, inspired and moved by the words of a man who had faced and conquered his own adversities. They recognized in him a living example of what it meant to turn obstacles into stepping stones, to transform dreams into reality through sheer determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
 
“I am standing here before you today hoping that I must have done something good in life that merited this honor and privilege. As I reflected on life, it is always better to choose to see the good and find what is good in it as we may not always see who is looking at us, it is better to opt for what is good,” Director Yasay shared.
As he made a special mention to the BFAR scholar graduands, “It is my hope that you will take the challenge in taking part of making the necessary positive change in the fisheries sector especially in the aspect of sustainable management to contribute to our nation’s food security and uplifting the lives of the fisherfolk,” he expressed.
Director Yasay was a BFAR Fisheries Scholarship Program recipient who finished his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of the Philippines-Visayas. His inspiring story would continue to serve as a guiding light, reminding them that no matter what life throws their way, their dreams and aspirations are within reach, waiting to be realized with the same unwavering spirit that had led the chief executive on his trailblazing journey of perseverance.
“I wish and pray that you continue to dream, and believe that you will achieve it, and let your dreams be limited only to the possibilities you create for yourself,” Director Yasay concluded his speech (CLViajante//BFAR-10)