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By Atty. Adel Tamano
Spokesperson, Genuine Opposition
Atty. Adel Tamano, the first Filipino Muslim at Harvard Law School, delivered this speech in June 2005 during the university’s commencement exercises. When he came back to the Philippines a day after, there was no mention in the media of a Filipino delivering the commencement speech in one of the world’s prestigious universities. We share this with you now, two years later—a piece of history that remains relevant to our everyday lives.
Dean Kagan, the faculty and staff of Harvard Law School, the Graduating Class of 2005, our family and friends—good afternoon:
We begin with a caveat: If you believe that the praise and celebration are the only remarks that are appropriate for a graduation ceremony, then what I have to say will be a big disappointment.
This is not to belittle the hard work and sacrifice that we have undergone in order to be here today. For all of this and more, we deserve the warmest congratulations.
However, it would not serve us well to focus solely on our personal achievements: that would merely serve our vanity. What is more, it would be untruthful. Today’s graduation belongs as much to us as it does to our parents, spouses, relatives, and loved ones. They have sacrificed as much as we have, if not more so. They deserve equal praise for their support, love, and encouragement.
Furthermore, we must remember that our education is a great privilege. For someone like myself, a Filipino Muslim, studying at Harvard was an unbelievable opportunity. In the predominantly Muslim areas of the Philippines, out of 10 grade-school students, only two will be able to complete high school. Those in the developing world know, firsthand, that education is a truly precious commodity.
This is why our commencement today should not only be a time for self-congratulation but, more importantly, a moment for deep and sincere reflection. We must ask the essential questions of a graduate: What have we learned? and Where do we go from here?
Today, we leave the comfortable and secure confines of Harvard Law School and enter the real world. It is a world of growing unilateralism, of heightened volatility in the Middle East, of mounting threats to security, of unrelenting degradation of the environment, and an ever-widening gap, in economic terms, between the developed and developing nations.
What is more, we depart knowing that we have a responsibility to address these global issues. It should be emphasized that we, the members of the LL.M. Class of 2005, were not chosen from the thousands of applicants to the graduate program solely because of our academic or professional achievements. Instead, the choice was made with the prospect that a Harvard education would enable us to become future leaders and policymakers. Very simply, much is expected of us.
Accordingly, in order to address these global issues we must ask: What have we learned? Certainly, from the 250 courses available in the law school, we have learned much in terms of legal theory and the substance of the law. However, the most valuable source of education was our exposure to the diverse beliefs and cultures of men and women from over 60 nations. Indeed, the real genius of the graduate program is its embrace of multiculturalism and diversity.
In fact, it is this multiculturalism that will prove to be of the most benefit not only to each of us but more so to the law school itself. This is a vital point: The very existence of the graduate program and the presence of legal scholars from over 60 nations is a powerful symbol and a clear reminder that no single country, race, or religion has a monopoly on good will, knowledge, or wisdom.
So where do we go from here? This is a question that each one of us, the 162 members of the LL.M. Class of 2005, will have to answer on our own and in our own time. We all desire to succeed, and success itself can be defined and achieved in myriad ways. But one thing is certain–if your graduation becomes the high-water mark of your life, then you have failed to achieve the hopes of this institution. More importantly, you will have failed yourself. Again, we must never forget that much is expected of us.
I must confess that there is a personal reason for framing this speech in terms of poverty, terrorism, pollution, and world peace. I am a husband and a father of a two-year-old son, and when I think about the enormity of the global problems that we face, frankly, I am filled with fear and doubt. This is why I have such a personal stake in the success of our class and of the LL.M. Program itself.
Ultimately, the real value of our education will be assessed in terms of our making the world a more just, peaceful, equitable, environmentally sustainable, and tolerant place for our children.
Finally, in this world that, at times, seems so determined to destroy itself on the basis of differences in ideology, race, religion, or ethnicity, I have, nevertheless, witnessed 162 people from over 60 nations meet, initially, as strangers, then come together as classmates—who argued, debated, and, at times, vehemently disagreed—and, ultimately, become united as genuine friends. In this I find my optimism, hopefulness, and confidence. It is upon this bond of friendship and the spirit of understanding and humanity that I entrust my hopes for our future. I am truly proud to be a member of the LL.M. Class of 2005.
I thank you. I honor you. Congratulations.
Photo: Atty. Adel Tamano with classmate Sameer
[Read Adel Tamano: His Own Man at Innerview]
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All Things Brown and Beautiful
To Atty. Adel Abbas Tamano
Help and support our place here in Lanao del Sur mostly the young generation because they are the next society of our land.
Mohaimen Unda Potawan
Secondary School Teacher of Masiu
To Atty. Adel Abbas Tamano
Salam. We (Alumni of the GEM-USAID Program – Congressional Internship for Young Muslim Leaders CIPYML)are about to start with our organization (AFADMin) Advocacy to Free and Develop Mindanao, focusing on policy reforms, hope you can guide us on some points. Pls do. Thanks
Nor Ayn A. Makakena, RSW
Young Advocate
Dear Atty. Adel,
Congratulations for the new post as the president of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.
I am an alumni and an OFW here in Saudi Arabia.
Continue the culture of excellence in the university and may your achievements inspire the scholars of the city to dream and leap higher in life.
All the best,
Ramed Borja
To Atty. Adel:
We are proud of you. You become a source of inspiration for Filipino-Muslim Youth. You brighten their paths to dream more and to become achiever like you.
Apart of our roles in this world is to study and learn more. The first verse in Holy Qur’an is entitled “Alaq” of which the first provision is Iqra, literally means “Read”. Furthermore, it is our obligation and duty from Almighty Allah to study and learn until we die so to speak.
Congratulations!
To PinoyCentric, it is indeed a good presentation for Muslim-Filipino Society. Thank you.
Please help elevate our Moro people and develop our province. I know you have the power and asset to do something for this. My name is ariefudin ampaso, I am an MSU alumnus and a product of CIPYML. I am presently working here in Saudi Aramco.
Alhamdulillah and Congratzz.
to:atty adel tamano,
assalamu alaykum…
i for one, an ofw-muslim, is proud to such a wonderful achievement!
may Allah give you more strenght & ability to do what you said ‘expected of you’.
‘fi amanillah.
assalamu alykum.
a muslim sister
Dear Atty. Tamano,
First of all, congrats and goodluck for the new post. Please do your best to encourage our youngsters to study harder and reach their goals.
You have enough knowledge about Human Laws, but i would encourage you to read more about the Laws of Allah to completely equip yourself with complete knowledge, it will help you here in this World and Life Hereafter.
We’re proud of you.
To Akh Atty. tamano,
You are such a talented Muslim..but we hope that you spend your more of your time in the field of da’wah because i believe that you can influence much of our youth today..for Allah’s seek….
With my very proud salute..mabrok and congratulations for your achievements…
jalani
wow! your such an idol. im currently studying here in manila as an accountancy student and i’ve seen for the first time when you address the issues regarding the recently may elections. I was really very proud that someone from my place is addressing the public in the national T.V. I really like bragging to my dorm mates and saying at the same time that not all moros are uneducated and war-freaks or “terrorists” and abu sayyaf.
congratulations! I hope you can influence our bangsa moro, specifically in Marawi.
DEar Atty Adel,
Masha-allah!!! mabrook! ! thank to almightly allah for another muslim future leader .. keep up the good work like your father! ! late senator M. Tamano( God peace be with him)
Help and support our place in Mindanao particularly in Lanao del Sur and specially the young generation who is adore and pround of because they are the next society of our land.
As OFW MUSLIM in Saudi Arabia we are very much proud!!!! and congratulations …GOD BLESS and MABROOK!!!
TO: Atty Adel Tamano
Congratulation for the trust and confident that given to you by City Government & People of Manila to chosen you president of Pamantasan Lungsod Manila (PLM).
Iam in favor for you to run a senate candidate on 2010 to restore muslim representation in senate and national political voice & policy. you’re only one Muslim leader at presenc to have right to do so being young & popular as spokesman of GO, More power to you.
From: President Maranao Cultural Society
Abu Dhabi U.A.E.
Adel, you are the man!
Making your self popular in the whole country is like teaching your Muslim borthers/Sisters to go in a higher education.
Congratulation! We at the Pangamponga Baloi organization appreciated what you have done and proud of your achievement… TORO-ONGKA O ALLAH KO LALAN A MATITHO!
Jeddah Saudi Arabia
0502538182
Congrats and Alf Mabrouk for being the First Filipino Muslim at Harvard University and for your recent post as the President of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. We the (Lanao International Organization) a Maranao association here in Abha, Saudi Arabia always proud of you and support you for all your good deeds that brighten the Filipino Muslim.
Congratulation!
congratz sir Adel, your the man! my IDOL.. the pride of Meranaws!
please visit http://www.ranaw.com
Congrats Atty Adel Tamano!
I can say, you made another pride for the muslims in the philippine particularly the Maranao. Thanks for the trust given to you by our government. Now is the time to prove to our contrymen that muslims are not bad as the other thinking of but reality we are the nation of peace and loving people.
Peace be upon you all.
Assalamu alaykom!Atty. adel tamano…..
know wt am so proud of you coz ur so famous not only here in lanao but also in the entire philippines….keep up the good work…..may allah bless u!!!!
atty. ang gwapo mo!!!!!!!! i hope to see u in person… mwaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh……. regards
…Uncle Adel the Yahyas are proud of you!!! CONGRATULATION!!!
…. uncle congratulations!!!
uncle congrats i’m proud of you…
…uncle congratulations!!!
were proud of you…you are inspiration gwapo m talaga hope to see you….heheh
to sir adel
sir your the best and keep it up
from PLM
Hi…
I’m proud of you!
god bless…
Atty. Adel Tamano,
I came accross your interview wherein you were asked about possible thrust if ever you will be elected…and your answer was EDUCATION! Education is a great equalizer and the only way to filipino salvation. Count me in when you run.I am a graduate of PLM Batch 68. Congratulations too for your Harvard achievements. One of those things that make us Filipino proud!
Philip
Sir,
I admire your idealism, your thoughts and your philosophy in life! We thank you for sharpening the focus of PLM and for promoting academic freedom.
Sir, you could count on us!
God bless!
To Atty.Adel Tamano,
Thank you for imparting your kindred and brilliant spirit through your works and missions!I wanna have the same passion you have in your life and the way you’re driven to reach’em all…
I’ll do my best to inspire and help people just like the way you did..
You are incomparable!
–PLM College of Tourism ,Senior Student
Atty. Tamano,
I was inspired and moved after reading the speech you delivered to your Harvard class. I am proud that you achieved so much and is striving to make a difference in the world and in our Country.
I am pursuing graduate studies at UCLA. Perhaps it had something to do with your speech, but now I feel called to go and give back to the Philippines.
_my nEphew
-uR thE bEst!!!
I am an incoming third year college student from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and I am just proud-hearted to say that PLM is in good hands with Sir Adel Tamano. I am a witness of how Sir Adel freed us from the chains which deprived us to voice out our own opinions and thoughts. Sir Adel allowed us to enjoy one of the greatest gifts that man has ever recieved, and that is the freedom to speak….. and to be heard.
PLM students are now free. We can now speak. Shout in the top of our voices. Have fun…. and its all because of the excellent management of Atty Adel Tamano.
PLM’s fortunate enough to be cradled in your loving arms.
Mabuhay po kayo, Sir Adel Tamano. Mabuhay ang Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.
Gabriela Vetra
(Communication Arts major in English)
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
Hello Atty. Adel,
Hello I met you at Gen Trias in Cavite during our Mass Induction of Cavite Region. I am the alumni of PLM from JCI-Carmona-Sorteo Chapter, I hope you remember me,it was really nice to meet you. Congratulations and more power I’ll see you soon at PLM! Thank you!
Niña Sulit from Hopkins International
When I read this piece, I cried a tear. Yes, I did. Not because of the pride I feel for my fellow Pinoy putting the Philippines in the world map but more so on the fact that Mr. Tamano sees/approaches this ugly world with optimism, with hope. And though as he admits that he is in fear and in doubt, there remains his hope for a better, peaceful and just future for the children.
And this sharp truth made me cry realizing that truly; one needs optimism to start DOING what one needs TO DO for the humanity.
Thanks Adel for serving as an inspiration to all of us.
You are one true gift not only to the Filipino race but to humanity.
I hope that your idealism will not be changed.
Although this is late, still, Congratulations!
From Denver E. Torres
of Cagayan de Oro City,
Xavier University
mabrok to your achievement..
Oftentimes, i wish we had more honest and good leaders in Philippine Government. Amid all those ongoing projects of these LONG-NAME-NO-CAN-SAY political leaders in the country still lies poverty.
Ur passion towards peace and unity is so inspiring.. make a difference! More Power..
Atty Adel Tamano
Bro you just simply made us proud of our root – the Filipino Muslim.
Keep it up.
ADEL TAMANO for SENATOR 2010… sure win