The announcer gripped the microphone and began to speak, telling to the crowd who among the hundred of graduating high school students has the best command of the English language, and so the individual who perfected the subject-verb agreement has been named. “Best in English, Airon Ace Abogado!,” the gymnasium was filled with cheers.

Airon, proudly walked up to the stage with his face beaming with joy. His smile became wider when her mother joined her and started putting on the medal around his neck. And the audience made another round of applause.

But before Airon can even take his seat, his name was again called. This time, it was the award for ‘Best in Math’. He proceeded to the stage and received the medal.

He went back to his seat, only for him to take the center stage again, and again, for other citations. And the awards kept on coming. Aside from bagging the Best in English and Best in Math awards, Airon was also recognized as the Best in Science, Best in Speech and Most Active. He was also lauded for passing the college entrance examination at University of the Philippines-Diliman, and for passing the scholarship examination of the Department of Science and Technology.

But these achievements are just icing on a cake, because Airon’s greatest feat was graduating from high school with the highest award – being the valedictorian.

Indeed, his graduation was the happiest day for Airon, but all the hardships that he had to undergo before that significant moment was still fresh and vivid on his mind.

Airon is born to parents who both work as farmers. They live a humble life in Brgy. Palawan, San Guillermo, Isabela. Understanding his parents’ limited income, Airon had no choice but to be contented with whatever his father and mother can bring to the table.

“Ang aking mga magulang ay mga payak na magsasaka lamang. Hindi po sapat ang kanilang kinikita para matugunan ang lahat ng aming pangangailangan. Dahil dito, may mga araw na ako po ay pumapasok na walang baon. Hindi rin ako nagmemeryenda tuwing ‘recess’. Dahil sa gutom, minsan ay hindi ko na masyadong naiintindihan ang aming mga ‘lessons’ at hindi ko nabibigyan ng pansin ang aming mga ‘quizzes’ at ‘examinations’, Airon shared.

“May mga pagkakataong nangungutang ako sa ‘canteen’ para lang makakain. At upang makabayad, tumutulong ako sa pagtatanim at pag-aani sa maisan ng may-ari ng ‘canteen’. Ang aking oras tuwing Sabado at Linggo na sa halip ay nakagugol sana sa pag-aaral, ay nailalaan ko sa pagtatrabaho sa bukid. Sa mga ganitong pagkakataon, bumaba po ang aking mga grado,” he continued.

Everything used to be a blurred picture for Airon, not sure of what kind of tomorrow awaits. But life’s focus became crystal clear when the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program came to their midst. And since then, Airon’s story of hardship has turned to a tale of hope.

“Dahil sa cash grant na natatanggap namin, medyo nakaluwag-luwag na po kami. Nagkaroon na ng katuwang ang aking papa at mama. Dahil dito, meron na po akong baon araw-araw. Hindi na rin po ako nangungutang sa ‘canteen’ at hindi ko na po kailangang magtrabaho sa bukid,” he managed.

Airon’s life has changed for the better as he can now enjoy weekends. He comes to school with a full stomach and even eat a delicious snack during break time. He also began to perform better in class and started to gain grades of flying colors.

His parents became more inspired to toil hard to support Airon’s studies, especially knowing that he displays a good academic performance.

In return, Airon promised to study harder so that he can have a good job in the future, and eventually, to give his parents a better living condition. He knows that the the road to success is not easy, but he is prepared to overcome every hindrance along the way. And his quest has already started, and at this stage, he emerged as the victor.

Now, the college life has lots of bigger challenges in store for Airon. But no matter how hard the odds are, he is determined to continue reaping awards and medals. Just like during his graduation day, he will take the platform and show everyone the fruits of his labor.

But greater than that, he will seize the limelight and make himself another living proof that poverty is not a hindrance to success.

“Do not be discouraged when you think of your status in life, or if you don’t have enough resources to finance your studies,” Airon started.

“Most of the successful men in the world came from poor families. Poverty didn’t hinder them to achieve their goals in life, but instead it became their inspiration and fervent desire to turn dreams into realities. We may not know what the future holds, but we can trust the one who holds the future,” he ended. ### By REMEDIOS CASTANEDA, Municipal Link