PWD graduated from college: ‘Laban lang kahit anong hirap’

PWD student Arjay Villaveza, 24, proves that being “differently abled” will not stop him from achieving his goals as he became a marketing graduate on Oct. 2. Photos courtesy of Arjay S. Villaveza. Graphics: Kathy Baugbog/INQUIRER.net trainee

Arjay S. Villaveza from Pasig City proved that being “differently abled” did not hinder him from reaching his dreams as he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing management from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) main campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The 24-year-old student savored the long-awaited moment by proudly marching with a brilliant smile during PUP’s Year-End Commencement Exercises last Oct. 2.

In an interview with INQUIRER.net, Villaveza said he felt proud and overwhelmed to have a “happy ending” in his student life despite the struggles he encountered along the way.

“[Graduation] is not the end yet, and the real world will begin here. Still, the fact that I finished it despite all the hardships I went through makes me proud!” he said.

On facing and winning battles

Being a person with a disability (PWD) is not easy. Among the challenges Villaveza experienced were the non-inclusive transportation system for PWDs and the expenses.

He had to cross a footbridge and walk further to hail vehicles en route to PUP. There were also times when he had to spend more on transportation because he could not walk long distances.

“It is difficult to be a PWD here in the Philippines, especially since the establishments are mostly not PWD-friendly [and] those for transportation. It’s even more difficult to be a PWD when you’re poor,” Villaveza said.

Nevertheless, he was determined to overcome the challenges by pushing forward and focusing on his dream of finishing his studies.

“To overcome those challenges, of course, I cling to my dream of graduating, having a good life, and getting out of poverty… I need to finish what I started. Yes, it’s still a long way off, but I’ve come a long way, so I’ll fight no matter how hard it is,” Villaveza said. 

Setting sail into the future

As the chapter of his student life ends, Villaveza said he is ready to take on a new challenge. There is a pool of possibilities, including using his degree to enter the relevant workforce or pursue another career.

“I have a plan to pursue another career, which is swimming, because I’m a para swim athlete here in Pasig, so I want to prioritize that. If it goes well, then good, but if not, I have my bachelor’s degree to back it up,” he said.

Villaveza also advised fellow PWDs and those venturing down the same path as him never to doubt the power of prayer and believe in God’s plans.

“[It may seem blurry and] impossible to fulfill what we want, but trust me, God moves in our lives. [We may not notice it, but] bit by bit [we are reaching it]. All we need is patience, trust, and faith in Him and His plan for our lives,” he said.