A cancer survivor from Cebu ranked eighth in the April 2024 Electronics Engineers Licensure Examination. 

Byron John Gillana, 24 years old, a graduate of the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, passed the exam with a rating of 87.50 percent. But behind his radiant smile and the bright colors cast by his victory is a sallow story of struggle. 

He said he could not believe he would be able to make it after having been diagnosed with cancer.  

Gillana narrated that he remained positive, though, in his disposition because of the people who have supported him. Despite being in the hospital for his medication he refused to give up his college studies.  

He said he has chosen hope because he does not want to fail the people who have supported him and brightened up his perspective of life and the reality that even young persons like him could become frail to illnesses.

Gillana graduated Cum Laude and went on to take a spot in the roster of topnotchers, a feat that does not come handy even to the strong and the healthy. He likened the achievement to a man walking uphill who has to continually catch up with his breath. He had to make sure he keeps up with his lessons; and he was able to do so as there were his classmates and professors who were helping hands in reaching his own apex. 

The new engineer said he is cancer-free for two years now and that his medical checkup is ongoing.  

In an interview, he implied that even though the micro-radicals in his body tried to stop him from pursuing his goals, his journey has taught him to be as radical by keeping the faith burning --- the strongest of convictions.

(via Mark Regie Abella/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)