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SPECIAL FEATURE
Dr. Frank L. Gastillo, MD graduated in 1960 from the U.P. College of Medicine and now resides in Guadalajara, Mexico. Since he left Manila in 1964. he has had no contact with his Alma Mater. Upon coming across the commencement address of Mr. Joseph Nathan Cruz, he has sought ways on how to express his pride for his University, his people, and his country. Likhaan Online, through Balik-tanaw, supports his efforts and brings to its readers Dr. Gastillo's words from half-way across the globe. Commentary on the U.P. Commencement Address by Joseph Nathan Cruz Frank Gastillo, MD. <E-mail the Author> I think that for a body of work to be relevant, it should be able to generate and withstand healthy criticism. In the same way, Life is made relevant through its examination and its reflection. To paraphrase a long-dead Greek philosopher, an unexamined or unreflective life is simply not worth living. Joseph Nathan Cruz, in his valedictory address during the U.P. commencement exercise 2000, by his own reflection and examination, gave his life, as well as ours, relevance and meaning. Morever, the fact that U.P. President Dr. Nemenzo took notice of the speech highlights the gift of an inquiring mind on a graduate such as Mr Cruz. The inquiring mind he acquired should come handy, because the
next level of his quest in life will be through ever-changing,
rugged slopes on his way to the higher summit. As the British-American
economist Kenneth Boulding said (to a student who complained about his
Mr. Cruz's thesis allows one a peek into the mind of a current generation
of Filipinos. He seems to convey an understated message that someone
from a humble beginning, given the opportunity can carpe diem
--
seize the day-- and reach the pinnacle of academic success. For the
benefit of the up and coming student body, I really wish Mr.
Cruz could have been magnanimous in sharing the formula for his success,
like how he prevailed upon the tremendous obstacles in his drive
for excellence. His fortune illustrates that imagination in
He urged his fellow students to "celebrate the fact" i.e. their past. And I believe it is after this that we can begin to celebrate even more the present and to anticipate better the future. For in spite of all the obstacles thrown before him, through understanding his origins Mr. Cruz was able to overcome the odds where others have failed. He was able to generate and sustain the fire in his belly that he needed to attain his goal and, though his speech, tells us how he has done it. He seems tentative, however, on embracing the dawning of the "age of solidarity or unity" which he equates to inter-connectivity in a global village. I think inter-connectivity is not pari passu with unity, but is more an allusion to accessibility. It is the link between those with inquiring, , prepared and hopefully responsible minds, and the borderless world of knowledge which tend to further discoveries and opportunities. His accomplishment is admirable and refreshing. The youthful enthusiasm and innocence is worth emulating, but at the same time should be tempered by the sense of urgency and gravitas knowing that the "digital divide" that separates the affluent and the deprived seems to be widening more than closing. I pray that whatever he makes of himself in life, becomes like the tide that lifts many boats stranded in the sand. Mr Cruz's vision gives us an idea of the kind of leadership
the Philippines needs --- someone who has the strength of character,
wisdom, humility and above all the political will to do things for
the greater good of his people including that big slice of
the society where help is most wanting.
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