A member of the Bukidnon indigenous tribe from a family of seven siblings will become the first in their family to graduate with distinction when she receives her diploma as Summa Cum Laude during the 76th Commencement Exercises of Central Philippines State University (CPSU) on May 27.
Andrea P. Tabacolde, 22, of Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree with a 1.17 general weighted average (GWA), the highest among the three Summa Cum Laude graduates this year.
As the second of seven siblings and a daughter of sugarcane farmers, Tabacolde told Brigada News FM Philippines on Thursday, May 21, that she carried not only her dreams but also her family’s sacrifices throughout her academic journey.
Tabacolde balanced leadership responsibilities, financial struggles, and academic excellence throughout college. She served as president of the Student Society for Environmental Awareness and Protection (SSEAP) for two consecutive years. Also, she worked as Head Commissioner of the CPSU Commission on Student Elections during the same period.
Despite her achievements, Tabacolde faced emotional struggles and criticism while serving as a student leader.
“The hardest part was not having time for myself. I’d get back to the boarding house late at night because of all the organizational work,” she said.
She also recalled moments when criticism from some members pushed her to consider resigning from her positions.
Tabacolde credited several professors for helping her overcome those difficult moments, including Professors Posadas, Dagunan, Pangaral, and Billen.
“There were nights I broke down before exams, but it never affected my studies. I still managed to ace and top them. That’s how I saw God working for good in my life,” she said.
Growing up without privileges pushed Tabacolde to strive harder in life.
“It broke my heart seeing them work under the extreme heat just to provide for my studies. That’s why I worked hard, not to prove something to other people, but to give back to them,” Tabacolde said.
To support her studies financially, Tabacolde revised theses and academic papers for fellow students in exchange for small amounts of money.
When she learned that she would graduate with Latin honors, Tabacolde immediately reflected on her faith.
“The first thing I thought was, ‘God is really working.’ After all the challenges and burdens I went through, I still managed to make it,” she said.
She consistently earned Highest Honors from first year to third year before graduating as Summa Cum Laude.
Tabacolde said the achievement belongs not only to her, but also to her parents.
“This diploma is proof that their sacrifices weren’t wasted. I hope this makes them feel that all the hard work, the heat, and the struggles they went through were worth it,” she said.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.