March is the month of the year when graduation ceremonies are held in the Philippines. For Filipino families, graduation from any level – pre-school, elementary, high school and college – is a cause for celebration. But the most awaited commencement exercise, and the happiest occasion for parents is when they see their son or daughter march up the stage to receive the certificate of an earned college degree.

College graduates have mixed feelings of joy, sadness, and anxiety. They are happy that they have completed their tertiary education and passed into the professional world. They also feel a gnawing sadness as they part ways with their college buddies. They are anxious because they are not certain as to what awaits them outside the portals of their alma mater.

For Batch 2010, do not fret. Keep and practice the time-tested values and relevant skills that you have imbibed from your home and school. Employers will always be on the lookout for graduates who have a good attitude toward life and people and eventually toward the work that will be assigned to them. For those who may decide to work with multi- and transnational companies here and abroad, make your country even prouder that you are a Filipino. Be inspiring examples for the next batch of graduates. Make an effort to create paths and leave a trail so that others may follow.

Congratulations to the Graduates of Batch 2010! We wish them success in all their endeavors.