MANILA, Philippines – In the history of Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) Main Campus, no one has ever carried the honor of graduating as Summa Cum Laude—until now.
This year, Ronile Victor Prism A. Cruz, a trans nonbinary student, etched their name not only in the records of the university but also in the broader story of academic excellence and queer empowerment in the Philippines.
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| Photo courtesy: Ronile Victor Prism Cruz |
Trans nonbinary is a gender identity that combines two terms: “trans,” short for transgender, which refers to people whose gender identity differs from traditional expectations, and “nonbinary,” which refers to individuals who do not identify exclusively as male or female. Together, it reflects living authentically beyond the conventional gender binary while embracing one’s true self.
Cruz, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Major in New Media, graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 2025. Their achievement is historic: the first Summa Cum Laude in the BPSU Main Campus since its establishment in 2007, the first in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the first in the Communication Program.
More than that, she ranked first among 2,937 graduates across all campuses and holds the highest overall grade in the university’s history.
Cruz’ pursuit of learning extended beyond Bataan. As an exchange student at Chungnam National University in South Korea, they took up International Studies under the School of Media and Communication, achieving an average grade of A+ (1.00).
Her academic journey was fueled by multiple scholarships, including being a Global Korea Scholar, a Philippine Financial Inter-Industry Pride Scholar, an Orani Suhay Foundation Scholar, and an Iskolar ng Bataan.
But Cruz’s triumph is not just about grades. It is also about resilience.
“I rose without privilege, no safety nets, no easy skips,” she declared in her graduation speech.
As a trans nonbinary individual, Cruz had to navigate a world that often questioned or rejected their existence.
“In a world that calls my identity ‘not normal,’ I conquered spaces, broke traditions, and bent rules that were never made for me.”
Her words carried a powerful message for the LGBTQIA+ community: that excellence, resilience, and brilliance are not defined by societal acceptance.
“Queer excellence is not subject to your acceptance, but destined to shine, thrive, and take up space,” she affirmed.
Beyond the medals and accolades, Cruz’ story is one of visibility. By excelling in academic spaces that often fail to recognize queer identities, they have paved the way for future generations of students who, like them, dream of being seen and celebrated for who they truly are.
“When you see faces like mine, queer people like me—see that same light,” Cruz said. “Because this is the power we hold.”
Her achievement is more than personal success; it is a declaration that brilliance knows no gender, no boundaries, and no limits. In their own words: “See how bright I shine.”
Meanwhile, based on the official Facebook page of BPSU, the first-ever summa cum laude in the history of BSPU is Celyn N. Ronquillo, who graduated with a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics in 2024.
Ronile Victor Prism Cruz’ story is a milestone for BPSU and a beacon for queer youth across the Philippines.
She has shown that with determination, intellect, and courage, barriers can be broken and history—or rather, herstory—can be written.
And in shining their light, they have reminded the world: the future is brighter, prouder, and more inclusive.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express