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.

Deputy Speaker and Las Pinas Rep. Camille Villar said 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.

“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.

Villar also shared that failure is inevitable among businesses and most of them experience struggles especially during the first few years. According to a study conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry, about 20% of small businesses fail at the end of their first year. By their end of the fifth year, 50% go under, and by the 10th year, that number rises to 80%.

These normal life situations are not meant to discourage graduates but to show how many times one has to fail before that person can achieve success.

“A mistake is actually an opportunity to learn. Challenges are not bad, they are possibilities for success,” the ranking House member continued.

Another life lesson that stayed with her since was to dream big, even when that dream seems to be impossible at first.

“Hindi bawal mangarap… Believe in your ability to make things happen. You can achieve anything you set your mind to and never let anyone stop you. Do not listen to detractors and people who will discourage you,” Villar said.

“Don’t think that anything is impossible. Let me tell you, everything is possible,” she added.

Recalling the time when she was starting out in their family-run business, she had to overcome many challenges, including the fact that she was entering an arena dominated by men. But it did not diminish her heart to continue, as her parents would always remind her to pursue her dreams and believe in herself.

She shared the moment when she first entered the boardroom for a meeting, she felt the doubts from everyone who probably thought that she is a young and inexperienced woman who does not possess what is necessary to run a business.

At first, she doubted herself. “I doubted if I was right, compared with others. But then I realized that I had no reason to—because I went to school and I was prepared. My opinion and my thoughts were equally as important as those around me in the room.

“My gender, my age—these were not reasons to doubt myself. There were no reasons to think that I did not belong in that room. In fact, being right or wrong has got nothing to do with age or gender. It’s got to do with your experiences in life,” she continued.

It would always be her parents who taught her to dream big, particularly her dad, former Senate President Manny Villar, who has had his fair share of having a struggling life while he was studying and working at the same time.

Her father would say that all his young life what he wanted was to simply uplift the condition of his family from poverty to a life that is more comfortable. But when he met the other students at the University of the Philippines, he was shocked by how big their dreams were.

“So always remember that: you have the strength, perseverance and the ability to make a difference—big or small—whether it’s for your family, your community or the nation… Always dream big,” Villar told the graduating class of 2023.

“Sipag at tiyaga” or hard work and perseverance was also not a mere campaign jingle or a political slogan of her father. It was the “motto of his life” and one that they carry with them wherever they go.

“And that has always driven me and my two older brothers Paolo and Mark in everything that we do in our lives,” said Villar.