Bacolod city: Wilma de los Reyes, a trailblazer at Bacolod City College (BCC), has credited the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for enabling her to achieve her academic aspirations and secure employment to support her family.
According to Philippines News Agency, de los Reyes, the eldest of five siblings from Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, moved to Bacolod City six years ago in search of work to fund her education. Despite financial challenges, she emerged as the valedictorian of BCC's Class of 2026, earning a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and leading 1,154 graduates during the commencement ceremony at the SMX Convention Center on June 15.
De los Reyes recounted in her valedictory speech that financial constraints had cast doubt on her ability to continue her education beyond elementary school, where she graduated as valedictorian. The opportunity arose when her family became beneficiaries of the 4Ps, which provided the necessary financial support for her and her siblings' education.
In pursuit of her dreams, de los Reyes excelled academically throughout high school and aspired to earn a college degree while contemplating employment to assist her siblings' education. While studying in Bacolod, she worked as a house help and tutor, eventually becoming a student assistant in her junior year to finance her studies.
Her dedication and academic achievements culminated in her becoming the first summa cum laude graduate of Bacolod City College, in addition to receiving nine non-academic awards. In a Facebook post, she expressed gratitude for the support that led to her success.
Though her mother, now employed in a hotel in Canlaon City, no longer receives 4Ps grants due to being classified as self-sufficient, de los Reyes is optimistic about her future. With a job offer from Mayor Greg Gasataya to work at the Bacolod City Government Center, she remains steadfast in her belief that poverty does not define one's potential for success.
De los Reyes emphasized, "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. We are living proof that dreams are stronger than circumstances."
