Attorney Leonito Bacalando, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Justice and Attorney General of the Federated States of Micronesia, challenged graduates of Biliran Province State University to be bold and competitive in an increasingly globalized world during the university’s 47th Commencement Exercises held from May 6 to 8.

“You must be willing to compete,” Atty. Bacalando, an alumnus of the then Naval Institute of Technology (NIT), now BiPSU, said. “Competition is now global. As I have demonstrated myself, it has taken me to a much larger global stage.”

The international lawyer, who was appointed Secretary of Justice of Micronesia in 2024, shared how his formative years at BiPSU laid the foundation for his success. “BiPSU prepared you for the real world,” he said. “This university taught me important lessons about competition.”

Atty. Bacalando graduated as the class salutatorian in 1993. During high school, he was an active student leader—serving as chief editor of the school paper, class president, vice president of the Supreme Student Government, and corps commander of the Citizenship Advancement Training (CAT).

In his keynote address, he spoke about the importance of leadership, persistence, and character—three principles that shaped his journey from a young student leader to the head of Micronesia’s justice department.

“Leadership is the ability to convince others to follow or abide by the rules,” he said. “It means steering an organization toward its goals, with everyone contributing to a common purpose.”

Meanwhile, he emphasized persistence as a crucial trait for overcoming life’s inevitable challenges. “You will experience disappointments, missed opportunities, and failures—but you must persist,” he said. “Success comes through persistence. The fruit of success belongs to the strong and the brave.”

Character, he said, is what defines a person. “It is about being truthful and just, even when no one is watching. Character is built on core principles and integrity. It means remaining steadfast despite difficult circumstances.”

He also reminded graduates that life after college is filled with uncertainties. “Following this commencement, you will find yourselves at a crossroads,” he said. “You will face decisions that could define the rest of your life. Choose a career path that fulfills you—not just professionally, but personally.”

Drawing from over three decades of experience, Atty. Bacalando shared five key principles that have guided him throughout his career.

He emphasized the importance of valuing education, calling it a powerful equalizer that allows even those who begin with limited resources to achieve extraordinary things. 

He also highlighted the need to work hard in order to “earn your luck,” stressing that there is no substitute for diligence. 

Atty. Bacalando also urged the graduates to remain humble while being competitive. He further encouraged them to practice empathy and empower others, reminding them that true leadership involves uplifting those around them. 

Finally, he challenged the graduates to be bold and visionary, daring them to dream beyond the ordinary and to pursue their ambitions with courage and determination.

Atty. Bacalando, who became an international lawyer in 2005, obtained his Political Science degree in 1994 and Juris Doctor in 2001, both from the University of San Carlos in Cebu City. He passed the bar the following year and began his legal career at the ACCRALAW Office of the late Senator Edgardo Angara, working in Davao City and Makati City.

Now back at his alma mater after 32 years, he concluded his speech with a powerful message for the graduates: “Your time is now. Be ambitious and bold. You conquer your destiny.”