"You are the gems that make CatSU shine": Barba rallies CIT students to embrace the grind at CIT Fest 2025
Colleges"Kung CIT student ka, saludo na agad ako sa’yo." With this unapologetic opener, CatSU OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. fired up the crowd at the College of Industrial Technology Fest 2025, held May 6 at the university gymnasium. With the theme “Gems of Excellence: Unleashing Hidden Potential,” the fest drew future builders, coders, welders, and makers into a celebration not just of projects, but of perseverance. Barba threw away the typical speech formula and spoke from the gut. “Let’s face it—your journey isn’t easy,” he said. “You work with your hands, think with precision, problem-solve on the spot, and often build something out of almost nothing. Hindi lahat kayang gawin 'yan.” He hailed the grit behind the grind—long hours under the sun, debugging sessions that stretch through the night, and projects completed despite missing parts. “Excellence isn’t the end product,” Barba declared. “It’s the journey… the trial-and-error that led to your aha moment.” Slamming the “shortcut culture” of today's digital age, he challenged students to embrace the messy process of learning. “Hindi lahat ng magaling, viral. Sometimes, the best innovations happen quietly—inside dusty workshops, small classrooms, or over simple conversations.” Barba’s message struck deeper than motivation; it was a challenge to reframe failure, to collaborate with heart, and to create with intention. “Ang galing, hindi agad dumarating. It’s earned—through broken tools, wrong turns, and unexpected discoveries,” he said. Urging students to “fail forward,” Barba reminded them that the value of their work goes beyond grades or recognition. “This Fest isn’t just about showing off what you’ve made—it’s about recognizing who you’re becoming.” Closing with a powerful rally cry, he affirmed their worth: “You are the gems that make CatSU shine.”
