Police Major Jefrey E. Ferrer gave this year’s Parangal 2024 – Batch 1 inspirational speech on July 9, 2024, at Guimaras State University Gymnasium, with the theme “Fording New Horizons for a Better Tomorrow.”

Batch 1 of the Parangal 2024 consists of the awardees from College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Science and Technology (CST), College of Teacher Education (CTE), and LET passers from 2023 to 2024.

Dr. Efren S. Tellermo, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the opening remarks, reminding the students that this event serves as an encouragement for everyone to strive for greatness in each of their own endeavors.

On the other hand, Mrs. Janet R. Aleman, Board Secretary and the Vice President for Administration and Finance read the words of welcome for the Parangal 2024 – Batch 1 of Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño, University President. Dr. Parreño has not attended the said event due to her attendance at the COPC Awards Night in Zamboanga City. Dr. Parreño’s message emphasized that the accomplishments of the awardees serve as a beacon of inspiration not only to their classmates but to the entire GSU community.

Following that, Dr. Agatha Rica B. Norilla, GSU-SR Adviser and Chair of the Awards Committee presented the number of awardees. There were 700 Parangal Awardees in Batch 1, broken down as follows: 65 Academic Excellence Awardees from the College of Arts and Sciences, 285 Academic Excellence Awardees and 175 Non-Academic Awardees from the College of Teacher Education, and 173 Academic Excellence Awardees and two (2) Non-Academic Awardees from the College of Science and Technology.

After the presentation of awardees, Dr. Jasmin T. Gadian, Dean of the College of Teacher Education, introduced PMAJ Ferrer as the inspirational speaker for Parangal 2024 – Batch 1.

She stated by saying that PMAJ Ferrer is a respected police leader with a distinguished career highlighted by dedication, integrity, and a commitment to serving and protecting the community. He is also a notable alumnus of Guimaras State University (GSU), having graduated from Buenavista Vocational School (BVS) in 1995, earning a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education from Guimaras Polytechnic College (GPC) in 2001, a Master of Public Administration from Guimaras State College (GSC) in 2011, and a Doctor of Philosophy with a major in Educational Management from Guimaras State University in 2023. BVS, GPC, and GSC were the past names of Guimaras State University until it became a state university by the virtue of RA 11335.

He served as Chief of Police in Jordan Municipal Police Station from June 24, 2014 to September 28, 2016, Platoon Leader in Guimaras Mobile Group from September 28, 2016 to February 2, 2017, Chief of Police in Buenavista Municipal Police Station from March 3, 2020 to March 18, 2021, Force Commander of Guimaras Mobile Force Platoon from March 19, 2021 to March 30, 2022, Chief of Police in Nueva Valencia Municipal Police Station from March 19, 2021 to August 21, 2022, Chief of Police again in Buenavista Municipal Police Station in August 2023 to present.

He emphasized that he could not refuse the invitation to be the speaker for the Parangal 2024 – Batch 1. He further expressed gratitude to BVS, GPC, GSC and GSU as instrumental for him to be able to earn his degrees from bachelor to doctoral.

He also emphasized during his message, saying, “There is no reason for you to fail!” and added, “Huwag ismolin ang graduate ng Guimaras State University! [Don’t underestimate the graduates of Guimaras State University!]”.

He also left the statement, “Dreams don’t work unless you do”. That was his inspirational quote, which he keeps with him because, who knows, this accomplishment could turn out to be the awardees’ greatest asset.

On the other hand, he emphasized the necessity of giving back to communities, having a positive impact on the world, living with purpose and integrity, and never losing sight of your dreams and aspirations. He asked the students to choose between diploma or “diskarte” [strategy]. “Ano’ng gagawin mo sa diploma kung wala kang diskarte? Magaling ka sa diskarte, wala ka namang diploma [What will you do with a diploma if you don’t have a strategy? You’re good at strategy, you don’t even have a diploma],” he said, continuing his speech. “In life, what is important is behavior, because behavior is always greater than knowledge. In life, there are situations where knowledge fails but behavior can still handle, but if you have the knowledge plus the behavior, equals perfect”, he continued.

Before concluding his inspirational message, PMAJ Ferrer shared a short story of a vagrant boy who aspired to be a priest but his family could not afford his studies due to poverty which refers to none other than him.

He then encouraged all of the awardees to always be courteous, hardworking, and remember to pray to the Lord. Then he concluded his address with a quote: “Oh Lord, I shall pass through this world but once for all the good things I can do, oh Lord, let me do it now for I’ll never pass this way again”.

The honoring of 700 Parangal Awardees began following his message.

Finally, Dr. Julius T. Vergara, Vice President of Research, Extension, Training, and Innovation, delivered his closing remarks. Dr. Vergara’s statement was full of pride and optimism for the future. According to him, the theme perfectly encapsulates the essence of the event and the passion that motivates the GSU community.