Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has cited two graduates at Pampanga State Agricultural University for overcoming challenges and finish their studies.
At PSAU’s 11th Commencement Exercises where she served as Guest of Honor and Speaker, Pangandaman made special mention of Brenner Basa and Sharmane Rellama in her speech.
She was accompanied by Undersecretaries Goddes Hope Libiran and Wilford Will Wong.
Basa, who finished BS Agricultural Business, is a person of short stature whose father died when he was in 4th grade. Rellama, on the other hand, excelled in theater and literature capped by an award from the Presidential Communications Office.
“Brenner grew up facing more than his fair share of hardships. He was in fourth grade when his father passed away, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings alone,” Pangandaman said in her speech.
“He may be the smallest in the room but make no mistake: his spirit towers over us all. Not because he made it despite the odds — but because he proves that with enough heart, nothing’s out of reach, “ she added.
She added: “Brenner found more than a place to study—he found a second family. His classmates didn’t just walk beside him; they carried him in the moments he
could’ve easily fallen. They made sure he never felt different.”
His professors also never dwelled on his condition. They looked beyond it and saw only his raw talent and perseverance, the Secretary said.
Reklama came from a home “where dreams were often postponed—not for lack of ambition, but because the resources simply weren’t enough.”
For a time, she was forced to put her dreams on hold: “Tahimik na isinantabi ang mga pangarap para unahin ang pang-araw-araw,” Pangandaman said.
She also cited PSAU President Dr. Anita David for “stepping in”.
“From there, the doors opened not just to the university, but to the world of words and performance. In the realm of literature and theater, Sharmane found her voice. Her poems and plays weren’t made just for applause or trophies. They were cries for justice. Songs of healing. Each line she wrote came from real pain.
She crafted stories that won regional acclaim. But she didn’t stop behind the curtain—she also stepped on stage,
embodying the very characters she created.”
