BY JAZMIN BANAL
THIS YEAR, university graduations in the United States had commencement speakers in the likes of Roger Federer, Maria Ressa, and Jerry Seinfeld. In the University of the Philippines Visayas, a man called Ka Dodoy was given the honor. He said, “I am a fisherman, and I am proud to be a fisherman.”
I remember Ka Dodoy – Roberto Ballon – from a short film in 2019, which won Best Film at the Istorya ng Pag-Asa Film Festival. It featured the fisherfolk organization he co-founded in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay called Kapunungan sa Gagmay’ng Mangingisda sa Concepcion. He shared their story, how fish used to be abundant in their area but over time the fish harvest declined, and the community became poorer. Out of desperation, some people resorted to illegal fishing practices. In true bayanihan spirit, Ka Dodoy and his group voluntarily planted mangroves, slowly bringing the marine environment back to life. When their own money couldn’t sustain the voluntary work, however, most of their group stopped. Ka Dodoy and four other fisherfolk continued with the mangrove reforestation, bringing seedlings whenever they went out to fish. Eventually, their perseverance attracted funding but also unwanted attention. Fisherfolk from other barangays started to cut their mangroves and practiced dynamite and cyanide fishing. But what could have been a volatile situation became instead an opportunity for collaboration and cooperation. Ka Dodoy and his group extended assistance to their neighboring communities, first through education about the impact of destructive fishing techniques, and later through organizing efforts. Soon, they formed a coalition of fisherfolk in all 13 barangays of Kabalsan. Helping one another so that everyone can have quality of life.
In 2021, Ka Dodoy was named as one of the five recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize. He was also the winner of the 2023 United Nations Development Program Equator Prize.
During the 45th Commencement Exercises of UPV held last July 9 at the Miagao campus, UPV — which has three colleges and two schools including the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences — shared the vision of creating a “university devoted to fostering a deeper understanding and respect for our coastal and marine environments including the empowering of coastal communities.” UPV called Ka Dodoy as a steward of the sea and champion of coastal communities.
Ka Dodoy admitted that he never graduated from a university. But, to the delight of the audience, he explained that he graduated from UAE — the University of Actual Experience — and that he has one PhD — Person with High Dedication.
Throughout his commencement speech, Ka Dodoy focused on service to the people. “Alam ninyo, mayroon akong kakaibang kurso. Hindi ito kagaya ng kurso ninyo, pero hindi rin ito basta-basta lang. Ang kurso na mayroon ako ay ang — KURSUNADA. Ito ang kursunada ko, magsilbi sa tao, sa aking pamayanan.” He wanted to serve so he tried to identify the basic needs of the community. He wanted to help so he honed his skills and approached others with his advocacy. He wanted to bring happiness so he persisted even if it would take years to see actual benefits. He wanted to protect the next generations so he served without conditions.
“Kailangan nating tumaya.” It was that simple.
And simple he remained, with the added touch of dignity. Ka Dodoy said that he does not think of himself as a Ramon Magsaysay awardee or as an organization chairman, and he does not ask for any award. He was proud to call himself a fisherman, and all he asks is respect for the fisherfolk and the work that they do. “Hindi dapat ikahiya ang mangingisda.”
Turning to the 770 graduates, Ka Dodoy asked, “Para kanino ba ang ating ginagawa?” He encouraged Class Haraya to devote their time on others, nurture their talent and understand what needs to be done, and treasure the happiness of serving. “Mahalaga na kilala natin ang ating sarili, ang ating kakayahan, ang ating adbokasiya. Kayong iskolar ng bayan, magpaka-dalubhasa kayo. At magsilbi.”
Honor. Excellence. Service.
What an inspiring choice for a University of the Philippines commencement speech./PN
