Driver’s daughter and Ateneo valedictorian also an activist, eyes studies on human rights

The class valedictorian of Ateneo de Manila University for 2019 was also an activist and student leader who plans to pursue further studies in human rights and in peace and conflict.

According to Rida Reyes' report on "24 Oras", Reycel Hyacenth Bendaña, the daughter of a jeepney driver, joined a transport strike as early as when she was only seven years old.

The full scholar and student council president also joined protect actions against the planned phaseout of jeepneys with the government's PUV modernization program.

"For all our efforts and our struggles, we deserve... to transform unjust social realities," Bendaña said in her valedictory address.

In an interview, Bendaña shared her thoughts on why she chose to be an activist.

Social inequalities

"Pakiramdam ko hindi lang siya laban ng mga tao sa sektor," Bendaña said.

"Coming from someone na nasa ibaba, alam ko na kung ano man ang nararating ko comes at the expense of other people. Kasi mayro'n pa ring hindi pagkakapantay-pantay sa lipunan," she added.

Bendaña's story went viral after she topped her class at the Ateneo despite the difficulties faced by her family.

"Maraming mga bagay sa mundo na pipigilan kang magtagumpay dahil mahirap ka. Pero kaya siya," Bendaña said.

"Bakit hindi puwedeng maging realidad ang tagumpay sa bawat batang Pilipinong nangangarap?" she added.

‘More than my poverty’

In a Facebook post on Friday, Bendaña appeared to take exception to news reports that highlighted the poverty her family had to endure.

"I don't know how to feel about being portrayed as just 'the poor girl who made it,'" Bendaña said.

"Romanticizing my struggle seems like kahirapan lang ang dahilan kung bakit ako valedictorian. I am more than my poverty," she added.

Bendaña went on to mention her stint as president of the university student council president and her role as a social activist, "who organizes and leads rallies in the streets on a multitude of advocacies - hindi lang against jeepney phaseout."

"This romanticization is harmful. It disrespects the merit of the scholars who worked hard to be where they are, as if awa lang ng iba ang nagdala samin dito," Bendaña said.

"It invalidates the sacrifices of our parents who share in our victory too. I hope media do better than this," she added. —NB, GMA News