Drawing strength from our faith to inspire positive change

Today is a day of celebration, gratitude and hope. As we stand on the threshold of new opportunities, we reflect on the struggles and triumphs that have brought us here. Each of us has a unique story, but we share a common bond – the unwavering spirit of a Benildean.

Our graduation coincides with the 2025 Catholic Church Jubilee, and I find my journey aligning with its theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.”

As a deaf person, I once struggled to see how my dreams could become a reality. I knew education was key, so I held on to hope that one day, my dreams would come true. That hope guided me when I left my housekeeping job in Cebu in 2018 to move to Manila, where I worked at an orphanage, including caring for deaf children. My supervisors encouraged me to continue my studies. With hope and determination, I applied to Benilde in 2021.

When face-to-face classes began, I left the orphanage to fully commit to being a student. It was tough and at times, I questioned my decision, but I was never alone. My family, relatives and the SDEAS team supported me every step of the way – academically, with transportation, and even with food (especially during term breaks when we’d bring enough to feed a small army, including a sack of bananas!). Their belief in me gave me hope.

Looking back on my journey as a deaf leader advocate, I’m grateful for experiences that have shaped me. From leading the 29th Deaf Festival to organizing the Deaf and Hearing Camp in Mindoro, I’ve learned humility, resilience and the importance of servant leadership. These experiences have empowered me to continue serving the community, hoping that small, consistent actions can create lasting change.

One experience that stands out was serving 30 deaf students at Bagong Ilog Elementary School. It reminded me of my own childhood, starting school at age 10 with limited access to education. Seeing those children’s dreams reflected my own, and I realized that our hands are not just for signing – they are for serving, inspiring and creating. Through it all, I held on to the hope God gave me and never gave up. Inspired by Saint Benilde’s dedication to service, I committed to every task with integrity, without seeking recognition.

When Dean Bea told me I would receive the Saint Benilde Romançon Award, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Her words, “Don’t cry too much, or others might think I’m scolding you,” made me laugh and reminded me of the hope and kindness that carried me through this journey.

Today, I stand before you, reflecting on my path as a pilgrim – one filled with hope, perseverance and determination to finally achieve my dream of graduating with a college degree.

To the Benilde associates, especially my SDEAS family, thank you for being beacons of hope on this journey. I share this success with you.

Graduation is more than a diploma; it’s about growth, learning and the responsibilities we now hold as Benildean alumni. We’ve embraced the values of service, perseverance and community, which will guide us forward. As we step into the future, may we draw strength from our faith to inspire positive change. This is a new beginning, a chance to renew hope and lead with purpose. Let’s serve the vulnerable, inspire change and use our skills to build a compassionate, inclusive world, never forgetting those society overlooks.

Let us remember the Benildean expressions that have shaped us:

To be God-centered, seeking wisdom in all we do.

To pursue excellence with integrity, staying true to our values.

To be creative, innovative and break barriers.

To embrace inclusivity, ensuring no one is left behind.

To be socially responsible, addressing struggles with empathy and action.

Congratulations, Class of 2025! May we continue to do all our actions for the love of God. One last time, sign with me, Live Jesus in our hearts forever! Animo La Salle, Animo Benilde!

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Romulo V. Porral III is a graduate of the Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS). He is a recipient of the Saint Benilde Romançon Award, the highest award conferred by the college on a student who best exemplifies Saint Benilde Romançon in “doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.” He delivered this speech in sign language at graduation ceremonies on March 8, 2025.