By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Atty. Nestle G. Taala, Student Recruitment Officer of the Office of Institutional Advancement, alongside the teachers, school staff, guests, and graduates of Talokgangan Elementary School, gather for a memorable photo opportunity.
On April 14, 2025, Atty. Nestle G. Taala, Student Recruitment Officer of the Office of Institutional Advancement, served as the inspirational speaker during the 64th Closing Exercises of Talokgangan Elementary School, held under the theme 鈥淕eneration of Unity: Partners for the New Philippines.鈥
听Standing before proud parents, teachers, school officials, and graduates, Atty. Taala delivered an inspirational speech that emphasized the values of respect, discipline, honesty, accountability, responsibility, and unwavering faith in God鈥攁ll rooted in her own experiences as a former student of Talokgangan Elementary School.
鈥淐ongratulations! You have finally completed your elementary school journey. For some, it might have been a long and bittersweet path; for others, a short and simple adventure. And while this is called a closing ceremony, one thing is true for all of you鈥攖his is just the beginning of your journey as future partners for a new and better Philippines,鈥 she said.
In her speech, Atty. Taala reflected on the core values she developed during her time in her alma mater鈥攙alues such as discipline, respect, and responsibility. She shared how these principles became the bedrock of her character and guided her through the demanding path of law school and the bar examinations.
鈥淒iscipline is not about perfection鈥攊t鈥檚 about consistency,鈥 she reminded the graduates. 鈥淭he choices you make today, including how you start your day, will shape your future.鈥
Atty. Taala urged the young graduates not to view life as a competition but as a shared journey. 鈥淲e are not here to compete; we are here to contribute. That makes all the difference,鈥 she said, emphasizing the value of working together, uplifting one another, and becoming active partners in shaping a better future for the country.
Towards the end of her speech, she emphasized the power of faith, encouraging students to remain prayerful and trust in God鈥檚 plan. Quoting Philippians 4:13, she said, 鈥淚 can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,鈥 reminding the graduates that no dream is too far when rooted in faith and hard work.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Atty. Taala鈥檚 message served as a powerful reminder that even the most modest beginnings can nurture individuals who will go on to make a meaningful impact and contribute to positive change in the world.