22/06/2026
InFocus l Normalistars Student Edition
โฌโฏ ๐๐ธ๐ถ๐โฏ๐น, ๐ท๐๐ ๐นโด ๐พ๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐ถ๐โฆ
For Daphne C. Cordero, a Bachelor of Physical Education graduate who earned the distinction of Magna Cum Laude, success was never about being the smartest person in the room. Rather, it was about consistently showing up, remaining disciplined, and refusing to give up.
She consistently earned a place on the Deanโs List and graduated as the highest-ranking Latin honor graduate with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude, making her qualified for Civil Service Eligibility. She also received the Academic Proficiency Award, Competence in Practicum Award, and Service and Cooperation Award.
Aside from academics, Daphne served as a student leader of the BPEd Movers Organization from 2023 to 2026. She also represented the College of Education in major pageants, placing first runner-up in Ms. LNU 2024 and earning another runner-up recognition in Mr. and Ms. SUC and PASUC 2025.
Her journey, however, was far from easy. โI faced countless challenges, experienced failures, endured nerve-wracking moments, and tested the limits of my perseveranceโemotionally and financially.โ
Daphne traveled daily from Babatngon to Tacloban. โEvery day meant early travel, prayers for safety, hoping for no traffic, and fighting sleepiness in the morning. More than that, I always hoped that my parents could still provide my fare and daily allowance despite not having a stable source of income. My father is a farmer, and my mother is a housewife. My father has always been my consistent โhatid-sundoโ to the bus terminal, while my mother has been my quiet lifesaver at home, helping me with laundry and preparing my things whenever I ran out of time. My siblings also became my support system whenever I needed help with school requirements. Many people often perceived us as a well-off family because of how I look and the materials I had, but behind that image is a simple and humble family with just enough resources to get by each day. That is why I am deeply proud of my parentsโ CONSISTENT sacrifices to provide me with education, and it became my strongest motivation to always give my best in everything I do.โ
Whenever she felt overwhelmed, her parents would tell her, โKaon, pahuway, ngan laban laโโeat, rest, and keep fighting. Those words reminded her that she was never alone.
To fellow Normalista, she leaves a simple but powerful message:
โBe scared, but do it anyway. Be underqualified, but step into the room anyway. Be messy, uncertain, and imperfect, but show up anyway.โ
For Daphne, success is not only found in medals and honors. It is built through sacrifice, courage, family support, and the decision to keep going.
โIn the end, we rise not only because of our own efforts, but also because we chose to grow and succeed together.โ
