As the saying goes, a devoted parent will do whatever it takes to provide their children with essential needs, especially in ensuring they complete their education. Education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial status.
Ross Leo Forbes Mercurio’s heartfelt Facebook post touched the hearts of netizens. A “Cum Laude” graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business Management and Entrepreneurship from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Lopez Quezon Branch, he dedicated his academic success to his parents, particularly his father—a Person with Disability (PWD) who works as a garbage collector to support the family.
In his Facebook post, he shared, “Una sa lahat, maraming salamat sa aking mga magulang sa walang sawang paggabay at pagsuporta sa akin para ako ay makatapos sa pag-aaral lalong-lalo na sa aking huwarang ama na laging andyan para sa aming pamilya na ginagawa ang lahat para maitaguyod kaming magkakapatid para makatapos sa pag-aaral na sa kabila ng kaniyang pagiging senior citizen at kapansanan ay hindi ito naging hadlang para sumuko.”
Photo courtesy: Ross Leo Forbes Mercurio (FB)
He included photos of himself at his graduation ceremony, along with images of his father gathering recyclables.
Despite his disability, his father works tirelessly, even on Sundays and in all weather conditions, persistently searching the streets.
He went on to say, ““Isang ama na malaki ang pangarap sa kaniyang pamilya na ginagawa ang lahat para lang mapag-aral kaming magkakapatid hindi mo maririnig sa kaniya ang salitang pagod dahil ang iniisip ay kapakanan ng aming pamilya.”
“Pa, this is it sobrang proud ako kasi naitaguyod mo kaming magkakapatid sa kabila ng iyong edad at kapansanan hindi ito naging hadlang para matustusan ang pag-aaral naming magkakapatid”
“Sa loob ng 17 years ko na pag-aaral, nasaksihan ko lahat ng pagod at hirap na pinagdaanan natin kaya sobrang proud ako sa’yo, Pa.”
Ross holds close his father’s words: the only legacy he can leave his children is their education. Now, Ross feels it’s his turn to give back to his family.
“Pa, hayaan mo na ako naman ang bumawi sa’yo, alam ko minsan may nararamdaman ka na rin. Konting tiis na lang. Mahal na mahal ka po namin.”
Photo courtesy: Ross Leo Forbes Mercurio (FB)
“Ang lahat ng ito ay hindi tagumpay ko kundi tagumpay n’yo ni Mama ♥️ Mahal na mahal ko po kayo di ko man ito masabi sa inyo ng personal pero sobrang proud ako sa inyo,” he said.
