LO TO UPLB VET MED GRADUATES: “STRIVE FOR YOUR PEAK” | RDF Founder and CEO Dr. Robert H. Lo delivered a powerful and inspiring message to the graduating class of 2024 during the Recognition Rites and Hooding Ceremony
of the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) held on July 31 at the Charles Fuller Baker Hall, UPLB.
Dr. Lo drew on his entrepreneurial experiences to urge the country’s future veterinarians to “strive for your peak and achieve greatness.” He shared three guiding principles that served as a foundation for establishing and managing his agri-food enterprise.
The guest speaker was a Finalist in the Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) Philippines 2022, a project of the SGV Foundation. He finished his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1983 at UP Diliman.
Here is the text of his speech.
#1 Turning Crises into Opportunities
My journey began with a simple love for animals. Growing up, I owned many pets, which ignited my passion for veterinary medicine. Initially, I enrolled in a pre-med course at UST, but I soon realized that becoming a doctor was not my true calling. Following my heart, I applied to the UP College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979 and was accepted, which turned out to be one of the happiest moments of my life.
After graduating in 1983, I faced numerous challenges. My dream of pursuing a master’s degree at UC Davis was shattered when my US Visa application was rejected. This rejection was a big blow, leading to a period of sadness and frustration. Shortly after, I started small business ventures like an animal clinic and a quail farm, which unfortunately also failed.
However, I soon realized that these failures were not the end; they were lessons preparing me for greater challenges.
In 1986, I, along with a group of classmates from the College of Vet Med, became a contract grower for San Miguel Corporation in San Simon, Pampanga, and later, I started a poultry farm in Bacolor, also in Pampanga, with my brother. Despite our clashes and difficulties, we successfully expanded our operations. However, the challenges did not stop there, when the Asian Crisis hit us hard in 1997, I lost almost 13 million pesos in a month.
In 2000, there was rampant dumping of chicken leg quarters into Subic and Clark and we at the United Broiler Raisers Association or UBRA lobbied for the illegal importation of chicken parts to save the local poultry industry. Thank God, the then DA Secretary Edgardo Angara listened and implemented the ban.
From these experiences, I learned the importance of resiliency and collaboration in overcoming challenges.
So, dear graduates, as you step into the real world, remember this: Every crisis you encounter is not the end of the road but a detour, a redirection towards something greater. When you face obstacles, don’t see them as impassable barriers but as challenges that test your resolve and creativity.
Innovation often springs from adversity. It’s in these moments that you discover your true potential. Embrace these challenges, learn from them, and let them guide you towards new opportunities. The path may not always be smooth, but it’s the bumps along the way that build character and resilience.
#2 Pursuing Your Passion
Passion has been my driving force throughout my journey.
After overcoming the Asian Crisis, I diversified into hog farming and later ventured into retail with Fresh Options Meatshop. These businesses were driven by my love for what I do and a continuous desire to improve.
While managing these businesses, I realized the importance of continuous learning. I pursued a master’s degree in entrepreneurship at the Asian Institute of Management, which opened my eyes to new possibilities and improved my business acumen.
Reflecting on these experiences, I understand the profound impact that passion and a desire for continuous learning can have on one’s career and personal growth.
Steve Jobs once said, “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish.” This quote has always resonated with me. It embodies the spirit of passion and continuous learning. Being curious and embracing new challenges keep us moving forward and always striving for excellence.
Dear graduates of 2024, I urge you to find what truly ignites your spirit. Passion is the fuel that will drive you through the inevitable ups and downs of your career. It transforms work into something much more meaningful. When you love what you do, it never feels like work. Passion is not only hard work. It is also “heart work.”
But remember, passion alone is not enough. Pair it with a hunger for knowledge and an open mind. Never stop learning. Whether it’s through formal education, on-the-job training, or personal hobbies, keep feeding your curiosity. Read books, attend short courses, learn and adapt to new technologies – these are just some of the many ways how you can improve yourselves. Always be on the lookout for new opportunities to grow and evolve.
#3 Leading with Empathy
Empathy has been a cornerstone of my leadership. In our company, RDF, we put a premium on quality and we value trust and respect. I empower my team to make decisions and give them my full trust. I believe understanding people’s emotions and placing oneself in their shoes is crucial for effective leadership.
A study by the Harvard Business Review found that leaders who exhibit empathy and emotional intelligence significantly outperform their peers. Companies led by such individuals saw a significant increase in employee engagement and productivity. This shows the importance of empathy in leadership.
Life is not always fair, but we must adjust and find solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Being empathetic and understanding the perspectives of others enable us to make better decisions and lead more effectively. I have always believed in training my team to be leaders, empowering them to make decisions, and fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect.
Through these practices, I’ve seen firsthand how empathy can transform teams and drive success in ways that purely transactional leadership cannot.
Graduates, when you begin to fill leadership roles, big or small, remember the power of empathy. Leading with empathy means understanding and valuing the people you work with. It means listening actively and considering their feelings and perspectives.
Empathy builds trust, fosters collaboration, and ultimately drives success. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and understood. In a world that often emphasizes individual achievement, do not forget the importance of connecting with others on a human level. As you move forward in your careers, let empathy guide your decisions and interactions. This approach will not only make you a better leader but also a better person.
As you step into the next chapter of your lives, graduates, remember these three key themes: #1 Turn crises into opportunities, #2 Pursue your passion, and #3 Lead with empathy. Life will present you with challenges, but by applying these principles, you will surely overcome them.
Allow me to leave you with an acronym to encapsulate these themes: P.E.A.K. – Passion, Empathy, Adaptability, and Knowledge. Strive for your peak, and you will achieve greatness.
To close, I would like to summarize my commencement address with a quote:
“In every crisis, find the opportunity. Let passion drive your pursuits, and lead your team with empathy.”
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024. The world is waiting for you to make your mark. Go forth and make it a better place.
Maraming salamat at mabuhay tayo!
(Photo Credits: Dr. Rio John Ducusin and UP Vetmed FB)