The Cousul-General, Philippine Consulate General Delivered a Courtesy Remark
The Consul-General, Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen,H.E. Adelio Angelito S. Cruz delivered a Courtesy Remark on the Opening Ceremony.
Courtesy Remarks of the Honorable Adelio Angelito S. Cruz
Consul General, Philippine Consulate General
Xiamen, Peoples Republic of China
(Leader of Xiamen University)
(Leader of Xiamen Municipal government)
Professor JIUYONG SHI, Chairman of the Curatorium of Xiamen Academy and Former ICJ President
Other eminent guests
Students of international law and international relations
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning,
It is truly an honor and a privilege for me to speak before such a distinguished group of individuals on the occasion of the Academy’s 2011 Summer Program Opening Ceremony.
I wish to commend the Xiamen University and the Xiamen Academy of International Law in its dedication and commitment in not only inculcating the value of education to the youth, but giving importance and significance to the value of continuing education for adults as well. The purpose of education, after all, is to prepare the youth to educate themselves for the rest of their lives. To date, I believe over 600 participants from 40 countries have attended the five summer programs offered by the Academy.
With one click of a button, we open our laptops and become witnesses to real-time events unfolding half-a-world away from the comforts of our homes and offices. We learn of other countries that have either undergone or are undergoing armed conflicts due to internal politics. We watch, as other countries are battered by flood, earthquakes and other forms of natural calamities. We learn of worldwide environmental deterioration of our natural resources through countless blogs, emails and websites. We can now observe first-hand how countries’ foreign policies affect regional and global security, with insights from experts from International relations and International Law.
Today, more than ever, the practice of and adherence to international law by nations, big and small, are of great significance, given the fact that the world is “getting smaller” due to the increase in migration, global trade and advancement in the field of transportation and communications.
The 2009 CNN Hero of the Year awardee Efren Penaflorida, in an inspiring televised speech watched by of millions of viewers, said, “Our planet is filled with heroes. Young and old, rich and poor. Men and women of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry. The hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve. Serve well, serve others above yourself. Be happy to serve. You are the change that you dream, as I am the change that I dream. Collectively, we are the change that this world needs to be”.
As we venture through life, I want each and every one of you to remember:
one tree can start a forest
one candle can light a darkened room
one step must start a journey
one star can guide a lost ship at sea
As the Academy’s very own Chairman, the distinguished former president of the International Court of Justice and professor JIUYONG SHI proved to the world – one person can make a difference. It's up to you. Be bold. Be courageous. Learn and teach. Believe and achieve. Dream and inspire. Hope. Listen. Pray. Serve. Serve well. Individually, you can make a difference.
Ladies and Gentlemen, you are all unique. You are all important. You are all special.
To the young men and women here today, may you always remember that with great accomplishments come greater responsibilities. Though a higher education may bring glory or greater material wealth, a meaningful education will give you a priceless opportunity to educate yourselves into something finer – something better - into hardworking but selfless individuals who can improve the lives of others and make our world a better and safer place to live in. Do not simply take the road less taken. Blaze a new trail and be productive, meaningful and inspiring members of society.
Soon most of here will no longer be students of a class, but members of a class, an elite class of serious scholars and authorities of international law. It is my fervent hope that, through the continued guidance and support of institutions such as the Xiamen Academy of International law, those of you here today shall someday be a beacon of hope and inspiration not only to your countrymen, but to the whole world.
Thank you.