“Let ‘Lux in Domino’ be the star illuminating your path” (ASHS Class of 2024 Commencement Speech)

 Read the message of guest speaker Allan Troy D Baquir MD to the graduates of the HUMSS and STEM strands of ASHS Batch 2024. He delivered his message during the Ateneo de Manila Senior High School Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, 30 May 2024.

Good morning, Fr Roberto Yap SJ, Ateneo President; Fr Jose Joaquin Sumpaico SJ, Vice President for Basic Education; Mr Noel Miranda, our Principal; Mr Javy Fabello, our Assistant Principal for Academics; Mrs Maria Cecilia Lacson, our Assistant Principal for Administration; our esteemed faculty, proud parents, and most importantly, the graduating class of 2024 Ateneo de Manila Senior High School for the HUMSS and STEM strands.

Bago po ako magsimula, nais ko pong ipaabot ang isang hanggang langit na pasasalamat sa pagpapatapos ng Ateneo sa aking anak na si Annika Baquir, at sa pagbibigay ng pambihirang pagkakataong ito na makapagbahagi ako ng isang mensahe sa harap ninyong lahat. I am deeply humbled by this God-given blessing of an experience. Salamat po sa karangalan na ibinigay niyo sa aming pamilya.

I stand before you as we celebrate this significant milestone in your lives. Today marks the end of one voyage and the beginning of another. The theme "Paglalayag" sets you off to your future under your cherished motto "Lux in Domino," meaning "Light in the Lord."

Just like any hardworking Filipino earning a living and trying to make a difference in the lives of others, let me share with you how my humble beginnings from a middle-class family made me realize my dreams using education, my Catholic values, perseverance, and, of course, a mindset of helping others as tools to nearly reach my goals.

Not so long ago, I was sitting there brimming with enthusiasm. My goal of being a doctor had just begun. I carried just enough resources and a ‘nowhere else to go’ attitude with me. Sakto lang ika nga ng inyong generation. My motto then was to take each day at a time, chill lang din pa-minsan-minsan, but to be tenacious and ‘thou shall not quit.’ Passing the physician exams had such an NBA playoff-type of atmosphere that I barely made it. Moreover, applying to one of the bigger government hospitals in the country was a Steph Curry half-court shot where I needed a lot of hard and free labor just to make the basket. Afterwards, I became a full-fledged surgeon. It was an ordeal; it was like restarting my whole 5-year medical education all over again. It was a hard-earned Kobe-Mamba mentality victory and never was a ‘give me’ shot.

Once the smoke had cleared, the realities of hospital public service emerged. There were more questions raised and evident social inequalities. I couldn't seem to do anything about them, and I was helpless so to speak. But I knew I had to challenge the way the referees were calling the game. The challenge was even fueled by the thought that I should be like Mike (Michael Jordan) or LeBron James, the GOAT (greatest of all time) type of doctor. I knew that only by being a ‘leader-coach’ could I bring change, a transformative approach from a bruised veteran follower. I needed to study more and learn to be a leader not just from any school but from a great school.

That is where I got to know Ateneo. Believe it or not, I really wanted to be an Atenean—bata pa ako noon. That’s the reason why I have two kids here in Ateneo. Then I saw an ad in the newspaper saying that the Masters of Public Management in the Ateneo School of Government trains future leaders to serve in the public sector. Sabi ko, “Wow Atenista na ako, at diyan ako bagay.” I would look better as an Atenean steerer and not just any paddler of the boat. “Baka ito na ang swerte. Pagkakataon ko na itong maging close kanino man kung sakaling hindi matanggap yung Grade 1 na anak ko dito sa Ateneo.” Kidding aside, the leadership education made a huge impact both in my professional and personal life. Two significant words, I hope you remember: honesty and integrity. Honesty: being true to others. Integrity: being true or doing right even when no one else is looking. Common words, but [they make] a lot of sense. A shoutout to my ethics professor, Fr. Pat Falguera SJ, for redefining ethics to me. (And of course, he gave me a grade of 4.0 din.)

Since then, I reintegrated back into our system with reinvigorated competency and concepts of public governance. With strong support from the national government, changes slowly progressed and concepts of ethical public governance slowly trickled into our system. Upon the initiative of my boss—I still have a boss—together we started an advocacy anchored on three simple words: Work, Care, and Share.

When we WORK, we make sure we do our best to ensure that our patients receive what is rightfully due them. In your case, please study hard. Receive the best from what education can bring.

CARE. It is essential to show compassion and empathy for patients, for these are critical in their healing. In your case, show your care for the hard work of your parents, loved ones, and other people supporting you to meet your goals by reciprocating with them your intent to finish your education.

SHARE. It is only what we have that we can share. Make sure to capacitate yourself so that your acquired skills, the goodness in you, or a piece of what you can carry can help others. What I learned in Ateneo is this: strive to live the life of a man for others like Jesus did. Our society direly needs people who are not selfish, and who love our brethren the way Jesus did. Education is the key. 

Once you have imbibed the value of education, just like me as a surgeon, you must be prepared at all times. In whatever you do,  seek the patient’s welfare. In your case, be mindful of alleviating the pain and suffering of the sick. Be the solution- not the problem- to our society. Like doctors, always seek the truth using your thirst for knowledge. Do not stop learning. This will make you more resilient as you go along. Do not weep whenever you stumble but embrace challenges since these are opportunities for you to be better. Your journey will also be filled with moments of calm, when the sea is serene and boundless horizons will surround you. Cherish these, for they are reminders of the joy and wonder that life holds, small rewards for your hard work and dedication. Truly, the journey you are about to embark on mirrors the one I have.

In harmony with today’s theme, imagine yourselves as captains of your own ships, ready to set sail in reference to four elements:

The ship represents your foundation, built here in Ateneo, strong and resilient. Trust in your education—it prepares you to navigate the world. It has been built firmly through Ignatian values. Remember E.A.M.C. (that’s where I work, East Avenue Medical Center). Commit yourself to excellence, whether it's big or small. Be adept in what you do. Maintain your moral integrity, and especially be compassionate. In our hospital, we rely on training, set protocols, and the acronym E.A.M.C. to navigate us through complex situations.

Second is the crew, the people supporting you...family, friends, teachers, and the ordinary workers you encounter. Cherish them and be ready to extend a helping hand to those sailing with you. As a surgeon, I rely on my team from the simplest to the toughest surgeries. I cannot do it alone. In life, your coordination with your crew will be essential in achieving your goals. They will help you by supporting you and helping to steer you in the right direction.

Third, the compass which symbolizes your Atenean values and principles. Your moral compass will continuously align you to the “Lux in Domino,” especially when you are making ethical decisions. This will ensure your good contribution to our society. As doctors, we are guided by our moral compass in the form of preset ethics and the Hippocratic Oath.

Fourth, the stars which symbolize your dreams and aspirations. In the darkest nights at sea, sailors are guided by them. Similarly, your dreams will light your way even in moments of doubt or uncertainty.

As I end my talk, I am still sailing in this life with no clear shores up ahead. I’m not unfazed, though, because I consider the journey, not the destination, as that which defines who I am and who I will be. Don’t lose sight of your goals... these will be your guides as you encounter daily challenges. Be focused, disciplined, and dedicated, mindful of course of achieving a good work-life balance. Always bring the light of Ateneo. Let "Lux in Domino" be the star illuminating your path to inspire and guide others. Go forth with truth, compassion, and a commitment to excellence. Be the hope that our nation deserves as you move towards your destination. In everything you do, always remember to think of the greater glory of God. You will definitely do no wrong.

I am as excited as you are in this new journey of yours since I am a part of my daughter’s crew. We, as parents, will always be there for you no matter what. Just keep your ship sturdy, your moral compass unimpeachable, and the stars that God made will be  there, always ready to be seen. May all of you, my dear graduates, have a voyage filled with adventure and purpose. The best of luck to all of you. Mabuhay ang Ateneo de Manila, mabuhay ang ating bansang Pilipinas. That in all things God may be glorified.

Maraming maraming salamat po!