Bacolod City College hails first summa cum laude

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod City College marked a historic milestone during its graduation ceremony Monday after producing its first-ever summa cum laude graduate.

Among the 1,154 graduates, Wilma Delos Reyes, a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship graduate, emerged as the institution’s top achiever.

She received the highest academic honor during the commencement exercises held at the SMX Convention Center.

In her graduation speech, Delos Reyes shared her story of determination and resilience despite growing up in poverty.

Born and raised in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, she is the eldest of five siblings.

Delos Reyes graduated from elementary school as valedictorian.

However, continuing her studies became a challenge because of her family’s limited resources.

A turning point came when her mother became a beneficiary of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, or 4Ps, which provided much-needed support.

The 4Ps is the national government’s poverty reduction and human capital investment program, which provides conditional cash transfers to poor households to support health, nutrition, and education. (DSWD Field Office CAR)

Financial difficulties nearly forced her to abandon her dream of pursuing a college education.

She went to Bacolod City six years ago to look for a summer job to help her family until a generous family offered her a place to stay.

In return for helping with household chores and tutoring a child, she was able to continue her education.

Delos Reyes stressed that poverty is not a hindrance to success.

“It may challenge us, but it will never define us. You do not have to be the fastest. You do not have to be the best. You only have to be brave enough to continue,” she said in her speech.

“We are living proof that dreams are stronger than circumstances. As we walk across this stage, let us do so with pride — not because our journey was easy, but because, despite everything, we chose to keep going.”

Before her graduation, Delos Reyes shared on social media her gratitude to the people who believed in and trusted her.

“You know who you are, from my teachers, friends, and loved ones.”

She said she manifested everything with prayers, hard work, and dedication.

“Law of attraction is real. I did it. God did it. Answered prayers. Glory to God in the highest,” she wrote.

Mayor Greg Gasataya lauded Delos Reyes for her dedication to her education.

“I know that life gave you all a hundred reasons to stop, but you always chose to find one not to give up hope. You chose to not let your circumstances dictate your dreams – and now you are closer than ever to your dreams,” Gasataya said.

Gasataya assured graduates that the city government will continue to find ways to uphold every Bacolodnon’s right to quality and accessible education.

The Class of 2026 produced a notable number of Latin honor recipients, including one summa cum laude, 62 magna cum laude, 110 cum laude, and 97 recipients of Academic Excellence awards.

The ceremony concluded with Batch “Seirios” singing its graduation song, “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay, as a heartfelt reflection on their college journey.