Let me share with you the value of educati0n to my own father. I was then studying in high sch0ol in our h0metown. My handworking father, a carpenter, could still build a house. One aftern0on, i br0ught him snacks in the nearhouse as I used to do during weekends. While he was eating, my father, with his unassuming smile, said to me: Keep up with your sch0oling, Marlou. All I want is for you to graduate so that s0meday I will see you holding a pencil, and n0t like me who is only holding a hammer and a nail! Over the years, when I was then pursuing further studies in the city, my father's meaningful advice kept ringing in my ears. Throughout all the vicissitudes of academic struggle, amidst its roughs and tumbles, triumphs ang failures, its joys and pains, his brilliant counsel gave me the sustaining inspirati0n and encouragement to earn three academic degrees. Thanks to my father who had passed away years ago.