Each of us has a unique story, but that of Romulo V. Poral III is one of hope and perseverance.

As a Deaf person, he once struggled to see how his dreams could become a reality.

“I knew education was key, so I held on to hope that one day, my dreams would come true,” Poral signed in his graduation speech.

That hope guided him when he left his housekeeping job in Cebu in 2018 to move to Manila, where he worked at an orphanage, including caring for Deaf children. His supervisors encouraged him to continue his studies. With hope and determination, he applied to Benilde in 2021.

When face-to-face classes began, Romulo 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,” he said.

His family, relatives and the SDEAS team supported him 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 gave Romulo hope.

He further looked back on his journey as a Deaf leader advocate, deeply grateful for experiences that have shaped what he is today.

“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,” he said.

One experience that stood out for him 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,” he recalled. “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 him he would receive the Saint Benilde Romancon Award, Romulo 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.”

The Saint Benilde Romançon Award is the highest award conferred by the college to a student who best exemplifies Saint Benilde Romançon in “doing ordinary things extraordinarily well”, is academically excellent, and has rendered exemplary service and leadership.

 His path, Romulo describes, is one filled with hope, perseverance and determination.

“Para sa akong mga ginikana, Inahan ug Amahan, ug sa akong pito ka mga igsoon, salamat sa inyong mga sakripisyoug dili matugot nga suporta. Sa mga gabii nga nagtuon, mgalisud nga asigatura, ug mga higayon nga nagduha-duha, anaakamo kanunay, naghatag og pagdasig ug kusog (To my parents, Mom and Dad, and my seven siblings, thank you for your sacrifices and unconditional support. Through the nights of studying, the difficult times, and the moments of doubt, you were always there, providing encouragement and strength).”

He shares his success with the SDEAS family, thanking them for being beacons of hope on this journey.

 “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,” he said.

Life after graduation 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.”

 Romulo also encouraged his fellow Benildeans to remember the expressions that have shaped them: 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; and to be socially responsible, addressing struggles with empathy and action.

 Animo La Salle, Animo Benilde!