“Poverty is not a hindrance to achievement” says Rufino Boyuccan Jr., standing unwavering in his threadbare school shirt and black slacks that may have seen better days. It is the day of their recognition, completion of Junior High at Maddela Comprehensive High School in that balmy April morning.

He looks back at his mom, not so far from where he stood and gives her an affectionate smile. “I know how important money is for us. It’s for food, allowance, transportation and for school fees and projects. We need it so that we have all the things we need to study comfortably.”

“I was born to a less fortunate family. My parents worked hard to make ends meet. I started school when I was seven and as early as that, I saw how my parents would work early in the morning till late in the evening just to put food on the table. That’s why I never complained when my mom cannot give me allowance or can’t pay for projects or contributions. That’s why it was okay if I never got any new school supplies at the start of the school year, or if I wear my old uniform even if it is too small for me.”

“I only realized how dire my situation was when I failed to be admitted for third grade due to lacking requirements and maybe even my own dwindling enthusiasm.” There is a sad tone on his voice, “I saw my mom, her face was devastated, like she aged a decade right before my eyes. A whole year of her sacrifice down the drain because of my negligence, and it broke my heart.”

“But what could I do? I was still too young then. I could not work to send myself to school. What I was determined to do was to make sure I will excel in school, but without the means to do it, I am back to just dreaming.” He looks down on his tattered shoes.

“Then someone from our barangay told my parents that we were going to be part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and everything changed. My parents still worked hard from morning till dusk, but compared to then, they would make sure that my school fees were paid on time now. Because of the conditionalities of the program, my mom made sure I would attend my classes and pay attention to my lessons.”

“On my part, there was renewed vigor, I started to look forward to going to school. I knew I had to take advantage of this good fortune. Every year I aimed to climb the ranks and indeed, each year I would get into the top ten of the class. I finished elementary with honors which is why I entered grade 7 at Maddela Comprehensive High School belonging to the Science class. Two years of hard work and I am now finishing Junior High as one of the Top 3 in class” There is an unmistakeable pride in his voice.

“I know I still have a long journey to achieve my dreams, but I am convinced now that I am not alone in making that happen. My advice to those who are in a similar situation would be: never believe that poverty prevents us to succeed, it should be our motivation to overcome it. It’s like how my dad tells us, it’s nobody’s fault to be born poor, but your own fault to die poor!” With that, he bids farewell and walks towards his waiting parent, his dull-colored shirt noticeable amongst the crisp white of his classmates, but his gait exudes confidence and dignity. ###By: Jeanet Antolin-Lozano, Information Officer – Pantawid Pamilya