Deputy Speaker and Las Pinas Rep. Camille Villar said that learners should not allow their fear of failure overcome their ability to grow, learn and improve; rather, they should embrace failure as a normal part of life.

In today’s modern society, academic success is an important measurement for success. But failure is also a powerful motivator in order to grow and succeed in life.

“Do not be afraid of mistakes for victory is always sweeter when achieved under difficult circumstances. Do not give up simply because you fell down for redemption is always more satisfying after a blunder. These are the values that I hope you carry with you as you face the world that goes on out there,” said Villar, who was the keynote speaker at the 2nd Commencement Exercises of the Northern Iloilo State University-Main campus in Estancia, Iloilo on Wednesday, June 21.

Similarly, when teachers correct spelling or computation errors of their students or when parents scold their children because of bad behavior, “they are not punishing you, they are merely nudging you in the right direction.”

“When people talk about the real world after graduation, they simply want to tell you that as you leave your campus and stop being a student, there is a new world of challenges, difficulties and some failures but there is a new world of opportunities, successes and fulfilment that lies ahead. And your world will become bigger,” said Villar, a former Jaro Queen who also traces her roots to Iloilo.

 “A mistake is actually an opportunity to learn. Challenges are not bad, they are possibilities for success,” Villa said.