A grandmother with limited eyesight helped guide her grandson through poverty, uncertainty, and difficult nights of studying until he reached one of the highest academic honors possible.
Yancy Aubrey Panugon, a scholar from Iloilo, graduated summa cum laude and became the university valedictorian of West Visayas State University’s Class of 2023 after years of hardship and perseverance. Behind his achievement was his grandmother, Mamang Norma, who raised him and supported his education despite her own struggles.
Panugon grew up without his parents and experienced challenges that affected his studies. He recalled having no specific and conducive place to study and moving from one home to another. During his high school years, he even considered giving up because of their situation.
Despite being blind in one eye, Mamang Norma continued to provide the support. She became his parental figure and helped him continue chasing his education. Panugon remembered the nights when his grandmother held a flashlight over his shoulder so he could see what he was writing and reading. When they ran out of batteries, they relied on candles as their source of light.
“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,” Panugon said.
Their struggles extended beyond studying conditions. Panugon shared that there were times when he had less than ₱10 for an entire school day. Through scholarships, free education, and the support of people who believed in him, he continued pursuing his degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics.
During his graduation speech, Panugon honored the people who helped him reach that moment, especially his grandmother who stood by him throughout his journey.
“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.
From the nights his grandmother held a flashlight to help him study, to the day he stood on stage as WVSU’s top graduate, Panugon’s achievement became a testament to the sacrifices, love, and support that carried him toward his dream.
