CLARK FREEPORT— “You may have graduated from exclusive schools. You may have topped your class. You might have been awarded academic excellence. But paglabas natin ng eskuwelahan, what will remain is your character.”
Thus, said Clark Development Corp. president and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera during the recent Toast to Excellence program of Philippine Science High School System–Central Luzon Campus here.
Speaking before academic honorees and competition winners from Grades 7, 8, and 9, Devanadera emphasized that while academic excellence opens opportunities, character remains the foundation of long-term success.
Anchoring her message on PSHS’ research-oriented and STEM-focused curriculum, the CDC chief underscored the importance of scientific and technological innovation grounded in strong morals. “In this age of AI, nothing can replace the brains of a person. Nothing can replace human character.”
Drawing from Clark’s experience as a growing economic center with more than 1,200 locators and over 150,000 workers, Devanadera noted that success in modern workplaces depends not only on competence, but also on teamwork, communication, and trustworthiness.
“You are all equal in terms of knowledge, in terms of degree of excellence. You will only compete in terms of character and the values that you have with you,” she said.
The CDC chief also underscored the holistic development needed for children’s character formation. Addressing parents of awardees, she underscored the role of formation-building at school and at home. “Not everything can be taught in school. Values like discipline, responsibility and consistency can be built in our homes.”
The Toast to Excellence program recognized 148 outstanding students from Grades 7, 8, and 9 for their academic performance and extracurricular activities during the school year. CDC P-CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera calls on PSHS-CLC awardees to hone discipline, trustworthiness and reliability at the Toast to Excellence recognition program.
