A man diagnosed with achondroplasia or "dwarfism" in Antipolo proved that his condition did not hinder him from reaching his dreams and aspirations after graduating as Cum Laude in BS Accountancy and being recognized by the Antipolo City local government for his achievements.

Vincent Samson

According to Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares, Vincent Samson was diagnosed with achondroplasia since he was a child. Achondroplasia is an orthopedic disability caused by the abnormal development of bones in the body.

"Bagamat may mga pagkakataong nagiging tampulan ng tukso si Vincent dahil sa kaniyang kapansanan, binubusog naman siya ng labis na pagmamahal ng kaniyang mga magulang at nakababatang kapatid. Sila ang nagsilbi niyang lakas at inspirasyon upang matagumpay niyang matapos ang Senior High School sa Skill Power Institute (SPI) sa loob ng siyam na taon (Even if he was bullied due to his condition, Vincent was showered with love by his parents and his younger sibling. They became his strength and inspiration to succeed in graduating Senior High at the Skill Power Institute (SPI) for nine years," Ynares said.

"Kaakibat ng tamis ng pagtatapos ni Vincent ay ang pagbubukas naman ng panibagong hamon sa kaniyang buhay – ang pagpasok sa kolehiyo. Ang pera kasing kinikita ng kaniyang ama bilang isang technician ay sapat lang para matugunan ang kanilang pang araw-araw na pangangailangan at mapag-aral ang kaniyang kapatid na isang highschool student (Vincent then faced another hurdle in his life - entering college. His father, a technician, was only earning enough for their daily needs and the schooling of his younger sibling who is a high school student," he added.

This prompted Vincent to reach out to the city government for assistance where he became a part of the city's PWD Scholarhip Program. He took the course BS Accountancy at the De La Salle – College of St. Benilde where he was also given a scholarship grant.

"Dito'y nagpakadalubhasa siya sa piniling larangan at buong sikap na nakipagsabayan sa kaniyang mga kamag-aaral sa kabila ng kaniyang kapansanan. Sa katunayan, siya pa nga ang naging former vice president for Finance ng organisasyon ng kanilang kurso kung saan ipinamalas niya ang galing at husay sa pamumuno (He honed his skills in his chosen field and persevered to be at par with his classmates despite his condition. In fact, he became the former vice president for Finance of his course's organization where he displayed his excellence in being a leader)," Ynares noted.

This year, Vincent graduated as a Cum Laude in BS Accountancy last October.

He was then invited by the mayor to visit his office together with other Antipoleño youth who graduated with flying colors to receive their incentives. He is now working in a prestigious audit firm who is also helping his family.

The mayor expressed his hope that the youth will follow Vincent's example who became a testament that success is for everyone regardless if you have a disability or not.