Late Nights, Little Miracles: How Ryan James Yan Became an Awardee Against the Odds
March 14, 2026
A message of perseverance, humility, and life’s unexpected redirection highlighted the speech of Rainier Clyde Salanap, Academic Excellence Awardee, got the Highest General during the 48th Recognition Program of the University of Southern Mindanao. In his address, he encouraged fellow scholars to move forward in life “amat-amat”—slowly and steadily, one step at a time.
Standing before thousands of scholars, faculty members, and guests, Salanap expressed gratitude for a moment he once only prayed for. He recalled the journey that led him to the stage after years of effort and quiet perseverance.
“To be honest, standing here today is a literal answered prayer,” he said, recalling the long nights for reviews and the many challenges that led him to the recognition.
In his speech, the third-year Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (BSABE) student revealed that the program he now advocates for was not originally his first choice.
“BSABE was not my first choice. I wanted to be a veterinarian. But when I applied, unfortunately, there were no more slots left,” he said.
What he once thought was a closed door later became a defining turning point in his life. The unexpected path eventually transformed his perspective and purpose.
“But looking back, that ‘wrong’ door was actually the greatest redirection of my life. I didn’t just find a degree, I found a calling,” he added.
Through his journey in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Salanap explained that he began to understand the deeper purpose of the program. He described how the field goes beyond engineering and technology, extending its impact to the struggles faced by farmers and the improvement of agricultural systems in the country.
“As an Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering student, I realized that excellence is our most powerful tool for advocacy,” he said.
“In our classrooms and laboratories, we aren’t just memorizing formulas; we are learning to design the very systems, from irrigation to post-harvest technologies, that can lift our nation out of poverty,” he added.
Reflecting on the realities faced by farmers, Salanap pointed out what he described as a painful contradiction in an agricultural country. He observed that those who sustain the nation’s food supply often remain the least recognized.
“It’s a sad irony: we live in an agricultural country, yet our farmers — the very people who put food on our tables —are the most undervalued and overlooked,” he explained.
The issue, he said, is personal. Growing up, he witnessed the struggles behind every product sold in the market and experienced the realities of agricultural livelihood within his own family.
“My mother is a vegetable vendor. Growing up, I saw firsthand the sweat and the struggle behind every piece of produce she sold,” he shared.
Because of this, Salanap delivered a direct message to leaders and decision-makers. Through his speech, he issued a challenge to those who hold power in shaping policies that affect farmers.
“To those in power, we challenge you. Our farmers need security, dignity, and a life that truly honors their sacrifices,” he exclaimed.
He also stressed that the situation reflects a deeper systemic problem. In his remarks, he emphasized the harsh reality faced by those who sustain the nation.
“It is a systemic tragedy that the same hands that feed this nation… are often the same hands that endure the pangs of hunger,” the academic excellence awardee spoke.
Despite his achievements, Salanap admitted that his journey has not been without mistakes. He reminded fellow students that even high achievers experience setbacks along the way.
“Even academic scholars can still slip or mess up sometimes,” he admitted.
He encouraged fellow students to learn from their failures and continue moving forward. He later underscored the message that guided him throughout his journey.
“Progress, no matter how small, is still progress,” Salanap said, explaining the idea behind “amat-amat,” or taking life one step at a time.
He concluded his speech by encouraging fellow scholars to remain grounded and pursue their goals patiently and faithfully. He left the audience with a reminder to keep moving forward—amat-amat—para sa tao, para sa kalikasan, para sa Diyos, at para sa bayan.
