Retired Colonel Valentino Edang, a bemedaled officer of the Philippine Army and current Officer-in-Charge of TVIRD’s Balabag Project, delivers a keynote message during the commencement exercises of Bayog National High School – one of the company’s beneficiary-institutions.
Below are excerpts from his commencement address last 18 March 2014.
“Prior to joining TVIRD in Canatuan, Zamboanga del Norte, I was a service man in the Armed Forces of the Philippines where I built my military career of over 30 years. The AFP was my proving ground for demonstrating a quality that motivates me to this day: “Desidido and pusong Pilipino.” The Filipino’s heart is a determined one. And I will tell you why.
I come from a very modest family. I grew-up the son of a farmer while my mom was a simple housewife. And as I had many siblings, my youth taught me a lifelong lesson on sharing as we had to take part in what my good father provided for us. I am sure most of you can relate to this.
Soon after my graduation, I joined the military service, which was completely different from the safe and carefree world that I knew. Suddenly, I was on my own with no brother or sister to protect me…no mother or father to cry to. While training was difficult, nothing in the world could have ever prepared me for the horrors of conflict and strife between brother Filipinos during my first assignment as an enlisted lieutenant in the Philippine Army.
On life’s lessons
In 1974, I joined the 19th Infantry Brigade, which was shipped-out to defend the Philippine Government’s interest in Buluan, Maguindanao. At this most uncertain time in my life, despite the horrors of war and seeing your buddies being shipped back in body bags, I believe it was determination that got me through a period of great confusion. At this age, you also do not know what real pain is.
I will not engage you in the graphic details of my assignment in Maguindanao, nor the ones in Jolo, Sulu. Although what I will share is the dedication that I put into every endeavor.
You see, I was also already married with kids at that time. I am sure some of your parents present here today who have worked in Manila or abroad – or simply away from home – know what I mean. On the one hand, I was assigned to several locations to serve the army; while on the other hand, my wife and children were miles away back home. The thought of the uncertain and something happening to me and never seeing them again crossed my mind several times.
Through it all, my family served as my inspiration. It is to them that I dedicate all my struggles and the extra diligence that I put into serving my superiors’ requirements, earning the status of being their ‘favorite.’
I was their favorite because I worked hard. I was their favorite because I never complained. But most of all, I was their favorite because I was a warrior who fought with both head and heart, always moving forward while keeping what is truly essential in mind – and that is to get home alive and safe to my family. “Talagang ‘di natitinag and pusong Pilipino. Matibay ito (The Filipino heart is truly steadfast. It is tough).”
Instilling values
During moments of peace, loneliness can be your greatest enemy. As I spent most of my life in remote locations and very unfriendly territories, I find comfort in knowing that my children have grown quite well under my wife’s tutelage and discipline.
In the years that followed, I rose to the rank of Colonel, and by this time, my children were on their way to becoming accomplished professionals in both the US and here in the country. My friends always ask me what I did to raise them so well. I reply that they may not be able to do what I did, simply because I made the hard choices. I made the supreme sacrifice of serving my country in a faraway place, if only to show my children by example the qualities of discipline, determination, independence, hard work and an unquenchable spirit to serve both God and country. These, my dear graduates, will take you very far in life.
As you venture into the world, you will constantly be reminded of the safe and happy place that Bayog National High School was for you. The lessons that you learned in this institution as well as the friendships you have formed will be the ones that you will have for life. But most of all, as you encounter challenges, uncertainty or even loneliness in the future when you go off to college or work in a faraway place, let your experience here be your source of peace. Let it be the anchor that will keep you grounded. Let it be your north star to guide you in every venture that you embark on.
Parting message
Whatever choice you make in life, choose a path and keep your eyes focused on what is essential. How will this help you develop as a person? How will this contribute to your family? Will this put you in a position to help your fellow man? Will this take you a step closer to where you want to be?
If you choose to work or engage in business, choose one that you know very well – or at least make an extra effort to excel in what you do. There is always more pride owing to a hard-working farmer, like my good father was, than there is to a mediocre doctor, for example, who could not care less.
And between here and where you aspire to be in the future, always remember that there is no alternative for discipline, determination and the unquenchable spirit to serve both God and country.”