Knights of Rizal Supreme Commanger Graces PUP's Convocation
Akel Victoriano, PUP News, Volume 8 Issue No. 15 October 1-30, 2011A substantial part of PUP’s grand celebration was a convocation entitled “Sustaining Excellence for Global Competitiveness” where Mr. Reghis Romero, II, acting supreme commander of the Knights of Rizal and chairman of the board of R-II Builders, Inc., served as the speaker. The event was set on October 1, 2011, 9 AM, at the Bulwagang Balagtas of the Ninoy Aquino Library and Learning Resources Center.
Hon. Reghis Romero, II, as he addresses the hundreds of PUP officials, faculty and staff - Mark Gerez
The momentous event became special as it was graced by the university officials namely: President Dante G. Guevarra; Executive Vice President Victoria C. Naval; Vice President for Academic Affairs Samuel M. Salvador; VPSS Dr. Juan C. Birion; Vice President for Research, Extension and Development Pastor Malaborbor; and Graduate School Dean Amalia Rosales. Also in attendance were college deans, directors, administrative employees and students.
Mr. Romero, also a businessman, delivered his speech after he was introduced by Dean Rosales. He started his talk by citing good characteristics of Filipinos such Akel Victoriano as being intelligent, caring, hopeful, talented, courageous and many more. He pointed out that these positive traits help us excel and be the best in whatever we do. “We are a race of good, talented, and gifted people. We are courageous in the face of aggression, marunong tayong lumaban kapag tayo ay naaapi… at kapag lumaban na ang Pinoy, walang awat hanggang manalo! One shining example was how we gained our independence from Spain… and now in the modern times, look at how our very own Manny Pacquiao fights!,” he said.
However, Mr. Romero disclosed that despite these gifts, the Philippines still lags behind countries all over the world. The Knights of Rizal commander mentioned two reasons for this fact: first, Philippines is often hit by natural calamaties because of its geographical location in the globe; and second, Philippines is a corruption-laden country. He said, “from the barangays in remote areas of the country to the seat of decision- making processes, there is corruption. This is why our resources are rechanneled and efficiency is not attained.”
The businessman stressed that for the betterment of the country and in order to eradicate corruption, we Filipinos should embrace the teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal. Mr. Romero narrated that the life of Jose Rizal is full of principles and values, that, if embraced by Filipinos by heart, they will help us achieve a progressive and united Philippines. “If we want profound transformation to take place, the teachings of Rizal or Rizalism should be our ideological template as a race and a nation,” the speaker said.
The audience was close to tears and their love for our country intensified after hearing the speech and watching the video clip entitled “Dakilang Lahi” which truly tickled their sense of nationalism. At the end of the speech, the university officials presented to Mr. Reghis Romero a plaque of appreciation and two paintings of which he was the subject as token for gracing the occassion.
Dr. Juan C. Birion, Vice President for Student Services and overall chairman of the 107th Founding Anniversary, disclosed that the celebration for the PUP’s foundation is still on-going as he prepared lots of fun and activities for the PUP community that will last up to the second week of October.