City gives awards to 210 valedictorians

CEBU, Philippines - Over 200 valedictorians in private and public elementary and high schools in Cebu City received recognitions and awards during the 23rd Don Sergio Osmeña, Sr. Academic Excellence Awards at the White Gold House Club yesterday.

This is an annual activity of the City Government and the Department of Health to appreciate the efforts of the top students of different schools in the city.

In his speech, Mayor Michael Rama told the students about the vital role they have in helping the City Government implement the Solid Waste Management Law. The City is currently struggling and adjusting with the new system after the recent closure of the Sanitary Landfill in Inayawan.

Rama appealed to the students to use do things that will benefit the community.

Miguel Osmeña, son of Cebu City Second District Rep. Tomas “Tommy” Osmeña shared with the valedictorians “tools” that he used during his college years.

Miguel was a Summa cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles where he took up Philosophy.

According to him, it is not just about studying or working hard but also giving time for self.

First, he said, is to take notes with the use of two colored pens. Miguel said that during his college days he always had with him two colors of pen - one blue and one green. He used the blue one in writing things that he fully understood while he used the green one on lessons he found hard.

“When you are taking notes be ready to anticipate the main point that your teacher is trying to get. Write down the main points and the supporting points. How to say the same thing in fewer words is a sample of mental exercise,” he said.

Tool number three, which Miguel said is the simplest but the hardest to master, is to enjoy the lessons.

“Don’t make this into one achievement of your life. You have your whole life ahead of you. Think of this just as a step to do many more great things,” Miguel said. —(FREEMAN)