Viral UP student who graduated cum laude: 'Poverty was a hindrance to my success'

A cum laude graduate of the University of the Philippines has gone viral for his powerful words about poverty.

Rene Principe, who had grown up in "extreme poverty," explained his struggles but refused to glorify them.

In a lengthy Facebook post, Principe said he and his family migrated to Cagayan de Oro after losing their home in Compostella Valley because of a fire. He would eat restaurant leftover scraps for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

"We’re left with nothing, as in WALANG-WALA. Education was our only way out of extreme poverty but even that was hard. There are times when I burn some of my hair strands whenever I veer too close to the candle lamp upon studying; a light bulb seemed like a luxury we can’t afford. I despised every hardship that me and my family ever went through, the world was just too cruel," he stressed.

Principe was among the 2,892 students who graduated in UP's first virtual commencement exercises last July 26.

The fresh graduate pointed out that "33 out of every 100 Filipinos (who should be studying in college) currently enrolled in Higher Education Institutes," and that he believed Filipinos should "stand beside me in this victory, not behind me."

"I believe with all my heart that education is a right, not a privilege," he said. "Don’t get me wrong. Let my victory inspire you, but most importantly, let it ENRAGE you."

"I am with the poor and I know what it’s like to lose your spirit over a hungry stomach. I refuse to believe that poverty is NOT a hindrance to success because it is, my victory is an exception but it is not the norm," he added.

Graduating with a degree in BS Applied Physics, Principe also advocated for "#QueerInScience."

He said being queer and being a scientist "were alien concepts that's always been unattainable."

"More than the discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community, I think we’re all caged inside a box of what we can achieve and what we’re capable of. We’re looked down because apparently for some people, we exist solely for their entertainment, everything else is just pure abomination," he said.

"Let my victory be a symbol that we the LGBTQ+ community has always had something to contribute to the science community too," he added.

—JCB, GMA News