Let us hone young people's skills to make them part of the quality manpower coming from the City of Iloilo. LEX is the inspirational speaker during the IT Academy official opening and office ribbon cutting
A blessing before the ribbon cutting in John B. Lacson University Molo
LEX Spoke in front of thousands of Iloilo National High School students immediately after the 2007 elections

November 4, 2008

In our beloved country, the Philippines, there is a saying that one can not reach his goal if he does not know how to appreciate and look back on where he came from and the people who have helped him along the way.

Yesterday, I had another chance to look back and be grateful of the chance given to me as a teacher/lecturer/professor in a number of universities in Iloilo City when I decided to become a City resident in late 2005, particularly, John B. Lacson University. It was a privilege and honor to be invited as the guest of honor in the formal opening of the former IT Training Center of the school that has now become an independent IT Training Academy.

I was a lecturer/trainer of the former IT Training Center from years 2005 and 2006. I was glad to have been given the opportunity as I was able to hone my skills in teaching, deal with different kinds of people and appreciate the hardships and joys of teaching. During my teaching stint in John B. Lacson University, I was glad to have met awesome students who had great potential. I couldn't forget also the letters and good words sent and given to me by my past students who thanked me alot for having had a good impact in their lives. This was also true with the other schools I was given the opportunity to teach from years 2005 until mid 2008, Iloilo National High School and the Philippine Christian University. I had students from different backgrounds and different ages. I am very much elated that even up to this day, I hear kind words from them of my impact in their life.

I always believe that one cannot reach a certain level of success without the help and support of others. Even in my alma maters, namely, La Salle Green Hills, Ateneo De Manila University and the University of the Philippines - Diliman Campus, I try to visit at least once or twice a year just to keep in touch with the teachers and staff who have been part of my life. Just like with my old friends and family members who live in Manila and abroad, I try to keep in touch through text, Friendster, MySpace, Multiply, Facebook, email or yahoo messenger. Also in my political career, I keep in touch with those who supported me in 2007 by going around barangays during barangay events or even finding time to just visit them. I value most the people who were there for me and placed their early bets on me even if it wasn't the safest thing to do when I was still a nobody and a seemingly unknown city personality.

Let us appreciate people, things, events and places that have helped in molding who we are right now and that have led us to a certain level of success we are in at this point in our lives. Let us show these people and institutions our gratitude and let us show them due recognition and importance.

I will always find time to look back at where I came from and be thankful of where I am now. The gratitude will always be present.