Ejay Falcon finally graduates from college. ABS-CBN News 

MANILA -- Actor and Oriental Mindoro Vice Governor Ejay Falcon finally earned his bachelor’s degree after 17 years. 

Falcon graduated from the University of Makati with a degree in Political Science major in Local Governance. The commencement exercises were held Friday, August 30, at the PICC Plenary Hall in Pasay City.

“Para sa akin talaga itong course na ito. And finally, after ng mahabang panahon na nag-aral tayo, ngayon 'yung araw ng pagtatapos. And I can say na I am very proud na graduate na si Ejay Falcon!” he said.

Falcon began his college studies back in 2007. He enrolled at the University of Manila and took Hotel and Restaurant Management to help him get a job overseas.

“Sabi ng tatay ko mag-HRM ka para makapag-abroad ka. Siguro mga four months pa lang noon, siyempre mahirap ang buhay, nag-stop ako sa pag-aaral. Umuwi ako ng province namin ng Mindoro. Pagka-uwi ko ng province namin, mga two weeks lang ako dun. Pagluwas ko ulit, ayun na PBB,” he recalled.

Since then, life has been a rollercoaster ride for Falcon -- winning "Pinoy Big Brother," being an action-drama star on television, to being a public servant. The study program presented by the University of Makati, really helped him finish his studies.  

“Ito 'yung program na ginawa talaga for appointed or elected officials na 'yung parang sabihin natin naglilingkod sa ating mga kababayan na hindi mo kayang pumunta sa mga eskuwelahan. Ito 'yung mix ng online at face-to-face class,” he said.

He also shared why was it important for him to still pursue and finish college.

“May expectations 'yung aking mga kababayan. Isama na rin natin 'yung kailangan kong maging role model sa mga kabataan. Ito ay isang inspirasyon na lahat ay posible,” he said.=

Falcon plans to continue his masteral studies after graduation. Also, he is set to file his certificate of candidacy in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections but begged off when asked if he’s running for the same vice gubernatorial position or higher.  

“Kung may na-sacrifice man dito sa ginawa kong pag-aral, siguro ito 'yung showbiz. May mga offers sa akin na hindi ko nagagawa.”

The College of Continuing, Advanced and Professional Studies (CCAPS) is home to University of Makati’s Professional and Executive education programs. The programs are designed specifically for professionals and they are anchored on the key principle that what one learns in the workplace must count as academic credits.