22/07/2025
𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙨
'Cluster 1 Valedictorian delivers heart-moving speech'
From the quiet sitio of Dampay emerged Wilson C. Romero, Magna Cum Laude of the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science, whose story moved hundreds during the 8th Commencement Exercises of President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU) held at the University Gymnasium, July 20.
Romero took the stage not to flaunt medals but to share the journey of a boy once called "Intong," who grew up drinking Milo instead of milk, borrowing toys from neighbors, and helping his grandmother sell bananas and vegetables just to make ends meet.
“Walang pambili ng gatas, kaya Milo na lang ang pinapainom sa akin. ‘Yong isang sachet, tinitipid para matimpla ng tatlong beses sa isang gasgas na tsupon,” he shared, recalling a moment from his childhood with honesty and humility.
Romero also stated that he never imagined himself becoming a valedictorian, “Hindi ito ang ultimate goal ko. Ang goal ko ay mapangiti ang mga magulang ko, at lalo na si Papang, ang lolo kong pumanaw ilang araw bago ang graduation.”
Yet, it was precisely that humble background and the love of his family that pushed him forward — earning him honors at every academic level and eventually a DOST scholarship.
Romero shared that a turning point in his journey came from a lesson he learned from one of his professors who said, “Minsan, ang takot at pangamba ay nasa isip lang natin. We should fight it to prevent it from limiting our potential,” which helped him realize that a good mindset is what brings out the best in us, and that dreams which don’t scare us might be too small.
This belief guided him through the most challenging parts of college life, from pandemic-driven online classes to mounting academic pressure and the weight of expectations.
“Tayo ang magmamaneho ng buhay natin,” Romero declared, reminding his peers that they are the ones in control of their journey.
He emphasized that everyone moves at their own pace and should not be discouraged by the progress of others, saying, “Let’s not measure our lives by someone else’s timeline. Magkakaiba tayo ng pacing, magkakaiba ng husay at galing. Ang mahalaga, umaabante ka.”
Romero closed his speech by thanking his family, teachers, and the PRMSU community, recognizing that success cannot be achieved alone.
Using the acronym PRMSU, he urged his fellow graduates to stay humble, resilient, and hopeful as well as to always choose to be good, not just great.
Wilson C. Romero’s story is more than one of academic excellence — it is a testament to grit, gratitude, and the unwavering belief that even the simplest beginnings can lead to extraordinary destinations.
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Report by Dhann Mariel Anglit
Photo by Cyron Javier Matampac
Layout by Dhann Mariel Anglit
