23/06/2026
| ๐๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐จ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฟ๐ฆ๐จ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐น๐
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Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XI Regional Director Abdullah V. Matalam challenged graduates of Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU)-Banaybanay Campus to pursue professional excellence while remaining grounded in character, integrity, and service during its 6th Commencement Exercises on June 23.
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Addressing the graduating Class of 2026, Director Matalam emphasized that academic achievement and professional competence must be matched by strong moral values. He reminded graduates that success is ultimately defined by the quality of one's character.
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โBe excellent in your profession, but even more importantly, be good people,โ he said.
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The regional director underscored that while education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their careers, society also needs professionals who demonstrate compassion, humility, and ethical leadership.
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โIn such a world, technical competence alone is not enough. We need professionals who are grounded in compassion, guided by integrity, and committed to something larger than themselves,โ he said.
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Matalam encouraged graduates to view their education not merely as a means of securing employment but as a foundation for meaningful service and responsible citizenship. He stressed that leadership should be measured by one's ability to positively influence the lives of others rather than by titles or achievements.
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The DILG XI chief also reminded graduates that while academic honors and credentials may open opportunities, integrity remains the true measure of success.
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โPeople may forget your grades or your school, but they will remember how you treated others,โ Matalam said.
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The commencement speaker acknowledged the sacrifices and unwavering support of parents, guardians, and families throughout the students' academic journey. He also commended faculty members and university personnel for helping prepare graduates for both professional careers and responsible citizenship.
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As members of the Class of 2026 prepare to enter the workforce and serve their communities, the DILG official urged them to carry forward the values of discipline, humility, compassion, and public service.
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The commencement exercises concluded with a challenge for graduates to excel in their chosen professions while remaining steadfast in integrity, kindness, and service.