BACOLOD City – Just hours after making history as the first-ever summa cum laude graduate of Bacolod City College (BCC), Wilma Delos Reyes received another life-changing opportunity: a job offer from the Bacolod City Government.
During BCC’s graduation rites on June 15 at the SMX Convention Center, Delos Reyes, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship degree, was recognized for achieving the institution’s highest academic distinction.
She became the first student in the college’s history to graduate with the title of summa cum laude since the institution was established in 1997.
Mayor Greg Gasataya announced the job offer during his commencement speech before thousands of graduates, parents, faculty members, and guests attending the ceremony.
Gasataya said Delos Reyes would be given an opportunity to work at the Bacolod City Government Center and could be considered for regular employment after two months of service.
The recognition came after Delos Reyes completed her degree while working as a student assistant and actively participating in campus leadership programs.
In her valedictory address, Delos Reyes recounted her journey from poverty to academic success. She shared how, as a child in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, she sold fruits and vegetables to help support her family and fund her education.
“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 told her fellow graduates.
As the eldest of five siblings, Delos Reyes said she moved to Bacolod City in 2020 in search of better opportunities while helping her parents support the education of her younger siblings.
She later became a student assistant at BCC, allowing her to continue her studies while earning financial support. Aside from maintaining academic excellence, she served in the Central Student Government and became governor of the College of Business and Office Administration.
During her speech, Delos Reyes expressed gratitude to her family, mentors, school officials, and all those who supported her educational journey.
“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,” she said.
Councilor Em Ang, who attended the ceremony, praised Delos Reyes for her achievement, describing it as a testament to perseverance and the transformative power of education.
“This is more than just Latin honors. This is proof that hard work, grit, and faith in education can break barriers,” Ang said.
Delos Reyes’ achievement marks a milestone for BCC and underscores the success of students who overcome financial hardships in pursuit of higher education.
She was among the 1,154 graduates of Batch 2026.
BCC, a government-run institution under the Bacolod City Government, was established on April 16, 1997 through City Ordinance No. 175-97. The college provides accessible and affordable higher education opportunities to students from Bacolod City and neighboring communities./PN
