Marjorie Tan 
From sailing the stormy waters of the global pandemic to soaring as mighty paragons of excellence, Tradesmen showcased unwavering resilience in the recently concluded 85th Recognition and Awards Day embraced by the theme “Students of Today: Learning Adaptive and Future Ready,” held at the Samar State University Maceda Gymnasium, June 7, Wednesday.
In a remarkable testament to 85 years of peerless competence, SSU embarked on a momentous journey of celebration and tribute as it recognized students from various college departments, as well as the honorees from SSU Paranas Campus, with their exceptional achievements and contributions.
In her welcome remarks, SSU President Marilyn D. Cardoso emphasized two crucial points as she relayed her message to the honorees and “those who tried their best and did not make it.”
President Cardoso highlighted the significance of the medals and certificates bestowed upon the awardees stating that, “your medals, your certificates are your keys in unlocking the doors to opportunities… push yourself to excel and achieve the best version of yourselves.”
She also urged everyone to “take the theme in running our advocacy for social transformation and so inspire in what Samar State University has accomplished.”
Meanwhile, President Cardoso offered words of encouragement to those who tried their best, but did not achieve a recognition this year as she cited the words from Dr. David M. Burns, “Aim high for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life.”
“Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism.” She added.
Furthermore, an inspirational message from the guest speaker, Melvin P. Mabulac, Officer-in-Charge, Advance Passenger Information System Operations Center (APOC) and Senior Immigration Officer Bureau of Immigration not only extended his warmest congratulations to the students’ remarkable achievements as he referred the day as a celebration of success, but also emphasized the importance of responsibility and adaptability.
Mabulac spoke about the responsibility that comes with success and exhorted students to “be future-ready and continue learning to save a world that is better, brighter, and more inclusive.”
Leaving the students with a heartfelt question to contemplate, Mabulac concluded his speech with a thought-provoking inquiry he quoted from Tito Boy Abunda, “Ito ba ay nakatutulong sa akin mapalapit doon sa pangarap ko [na] mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang nanay ko?” as he left everyone to ponder upon their goals and assess whether they contribute to the ultimate vision of creating a brighter future for their loved ones.
Following the speeches, the ceremony proceeded with the distribution of awards in the realm of scholastic excellence. Subsequently, the recognition extended to encompass the non-academic accolades such as presidential leadership, the accredited and re-accredited student organizations, and sports development and culture and arts.
In addition, the same token of recognition was also conferred upon the recipients of DOST scholarship program, internalization student program, presidential research, best in technology, and loyalty awards.
The event served as a notable celebration of unwavering resilience and remarkable excellence of the Tradesmen of Samar State University, highlighting not only their unparalleled feat, but also their profound sense of adaptability and commitment to being future-ready.
