Summa cum laude pays tribute to grandma in graduation speech

A summa cum laude graduate of West Visayas State University earned the admiration of many after paying tribute to his grandmother in his valedictory speech.

According to Mark Salazar's report on "24 Oras," Monday, Yancy Panugon's lola, Mamang Norma, is blind in one eye but she worked hard to raise him.

Yancy's mother had to go to Manila to provide for their family, so Mamang Norma served as a parent to him in her place.

"I can still remember the nights when lola had to hold the flashlight over my shoulder so I can see what I am writing and reading," said Yancy, who graduated with a general weighted average (GWA) of 1.0.

"When we ran out of batteries we will use candles. Sometimes my teachers would ask me why my projects have melted candles on them," he added.

Asked what important lesson he learned from his grandmother, Yancy said there is one advice that he can never forget.

"Huwag mo i-compare ang struggles mo sa iba kasi magkakaiba ang bigat ng pinagdadaanan natin at magkakaiba tayo ng ways sa diskarte sa struggles natin sa buhay," he said.

Aside from his grandmother, one of his teachers helped him like a guardian angel.

The teacher did not want to be introduced on television, but Yancy made sure to mention her name on stage.

"She made me experience food I only saw on the internet... going to places I didn't know existed," he said, becoming emotional. "She and her family allowed me to live in their home so I can have a conducive place to study."

Like his lola, the teacher also gave him a piece of wisdom that will stay with him through the years.

"To survive does not mean you have to compete, you only need to collaborate because no one is an island and it always takes a village to raise a child so you don't have to endure it alone," he said.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News