Ejay Falcon earns Political Science degree

MANILA, Philippines — Actor-turned-politician Ejay Falcon has finally graduated from college, earning his bachelor’s degree in political science.

The Oriental Mindoro Vice Governor was among the more than 2,000 graduates who marched during a commencement exercise at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) held on Friday.

Ejay turned emotional as he reflected on his academic milestone, after putting aside his studies to prioritize providing for his family.

“Everything still feels surreal to me. I never thought I’d still be able to wear a toga, go up on the stage, and get my diploma. Ever since I stopped school to start providing for my family, I also stopped envisioning myself to be in this moment, to experience this incredible life milestone,” he said in a statement.

Similar to boxing icon and ex-politician Manny Pacquiao, he finished his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree majoring in Local Government Administration at the University of Makati.

It was after he made his foray into politics that Ejay, who first rose to fame after winning the ABS-CBN reality show “Pinoy Big Brother” in 2008, felt the urge to return to school and complete his studies.

“It was only when I got elected for office and felt that higher calling to serve that I pushed myself to go back to school, with the full support of my wife, Jana, my family and my closest friends,” he stated.

“Overall, I’m just very happy and I hope I made my loved ones proud, and I hope I inspired my constituents, as well as all my supporters ever since ‘PBB’ to do the same and keep fighting for their dreams,” he added.

Ejay joined about 5,000 other alumni of UMak’s College of Continuing, Advanced and Professional Studies (CCAPS), which offers professional and executive education programs for government employees as well as elected officials of the local government.

The former actor Falcon was elected as Oriental Mindoro’s vice governor in May 2022, making him the youngest vice governor in the history of the province.