I am unable to find the right words to express my gratitude for the honor which you have bestowed upon my humble self. All I can say is that I will do my utmost to continue deserving the Foundation's confidence.

As I have said from the beginning of our work seven years ago, it has been possible to accomplish what we have done because of several very favorable conditions: first, the permissive atmosphere provided by the Department of Education, from the Secretary down to the Division Superintendents and their staffs; second, the wholehearted response and cooperation of the parents, students, and lay leaders who have worked very hard to provide the necessary financial support; and third, the backing of the President, Congress, governors, city and municipal mayors, barrio captains and councilmen, who invariably have put the interest of the people, especially the barrio (village) people, above all other considerations.

This being so, as I announced in Singapore, the Award really belongs to all the people who made it possible to operate the barrio high schools, community colleges and preschools--despite the opposition of vested interests. Very fortunately, these vested interests are now our allies because they, themselves, are benefiting from these projects in more ways than one, which need not be mentioned. The fact is that there is very little opposition to the continuation and extension of these projects. Our people--all of us--realize at last that unless we help the barrio people in their effort to lift themselves up, they will continue pulling us--all of the rest of us--down. Our well-being and welfare are dependent upon their having equal opportunity to develop their capacities to the utmost for the welfare of all.

It is for this reason that I have decided that every cent of the Award will be spent towards the extension of the projects, not only in the Philippines but abroad as well. The people in the remaining barrios that have no high schools have as much right to education at all levels as the ones in the 1,600 that have them now. What form the aid will take will be decided in due course, and you will be informed.

Again, permit me to thank you most sincerely for this Award and I hope I will continue to deserve your confidence.