Viral delivery rider graduates magna cum laude

Delivery rider Francis Valerio went viral in 2020 when a photo of him studying using his phone while waiting for orders circulated online.

According to Raffy Tima’s “24 Oras” report Friday, after two years, Francis graduated with a degree in bachelor of arts in communication, magna cum laude, at Adamson University.

“Hindi ko rin po kasi ine-expect na maa-achieve ko iyon kasi araw-araw po hindi po ako masyadong nakapag-focus sa school. Pero every time na may requirements, binibigay ko talaga iyong best ko,” said Francis.

“Mas naging meaningful lahat noong malaman ko na ga-graduate akong magna cum laude.”

Francis planned to surprise his parents with the good news on his graduation day, but he had to break it to them earlier when his father suffered from stroke days before the ceremony.

“Lagi nya po ako sinu-surprise, kasi maliit na bata pa lang siya talaga, nagulat din po kami na honor siya,” said his mother Jeanette Valerio. “Tapos high school, pinapa-attend niya ako ng meeting, iyon pala top 1 na siya. Hindi niya sinasabi sa akin.”

Francis’ dream is to have his father treated and for their family to move to a bigger house. He also plans to study law.

For now, he is focusing on being a part-time delivery rider and a virtual assistant.

His advice to his fellow working students? “Huwag po tayo sumuko sa mga pangarap natin, maging sino man iyan o maging ano man iyan, dahil pagdating ng panahon, ’pag napagtapos na natin ang pag aaral natin, ngingitian na lang natin iyon na sa wakas, natapos natin iyon.” – RC, GMA News