[Trending Now] 'Tiniis Ko Para May Pera Kami' Son of Labandera Worked as Bottle Cleaner and Graduates With Honors. Read Their Success Story Here!

Studying is very expensive which is why most parents in the Philippines, especially the poor ones, are unable to send their children to school. But there is a saying that goes “Pag gusto, maraming paraan. Pag ayaw, maraming dahilan.”

A young man who is the child of a laundress proved to everyone that despite being poor, he could still fulfill his dreams and finish his studies. 

Francis, a 25-year-old student who recently graduated college, grew up in poverty. His parents, Frank and Nida Sinaban were unable to provide enough money for his tuition. 

Due to the lack of financial assistance, Francis decided to work at the early age of 12 years old. At first, he started out as a bottle washer earning only P2 per day.

He said: "Naghuhugas ako noon ng 24 pieces na bote para sa halagang P2. Nagkakasugat-sugat na kamay ko pero tiniis ko para may pera kami."

His father then had a stroke and eventually died in 2009 leaving all the responsibilities to his mother, Nida. 

His mother was forced to work as laundress, earning only P200 to P300 per day.

Despite earning barely enough to feed both of them, Nida still encouraged Francis to study in high school at the age of 17. 

"Sabi ko sa kaniya 'anak mag-aral ka na,' sabi niya sa akin 'ayoko mamaya masyado na akong matanda' pero sabi ko wala sa edad yun kung gusto mo mag-aral, ayoko ang trabaho mo ay karpintero o nasa bukid lang,” said Nida. 

Francis eventually graduated high school with honors. He then decided to apply as a fastfood crew in order to support himself in college. Recently, he graduated cum laude in his batch.

"Hindi pa huli sa marathon. Hangga't may pangarap ka habulin mo lang. Mas malayo yan kapag nakatayo ka lang at walang ginagawa. Pag hinahabol mo mas malapit ka sa finish line," Francis said in order to encourage others to work hard in order to reach their dreams. 

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Source: TNP , DefinitelyFilipino