Sunog Kilay

by Jennie Mallanao - Writographer, PhotoVille Club Philippines.

I’ve known this child back when we’re still in Tondo. Bugoy, as what they call him, lives in a not well-situated house with no electricity, no water connection, and has been an underprivileged student. His mother is a labandera, and his father; a construction worker. As the eldest to his 3 brothers and 4 sisters; Bugoy, lives with them in poverty; chewed and digested scarcity in order to survive; nevertheless, there is something remarkable with this boy. He happened to be the top in his class and every school year, he brings home a medal to his parents.

Every night, when darkness covers the sky, Bugoy would light a candle. With its radiance, he would start to do his assignments; he is used to do this as his parents cannot afford to pay for their electricity. “I don’t just study for myself. I study hard for my family, someday these medals will have significance as I walk in the path of success.” said Bugoy as he tried not to shed of a tear. It showed how fearless he is in struggling with poverty.

When the school year ended, I, together with my team got in high spirits when we heard the news that he graduated as a valedictorian. In his valedictory address, he stated that they have no electricity and use a 2peso candle every night for his studies. He admitted it was hard but his determination is unbreakable. Though he had to use one candle for two nights to light his small table, he hasn't lost a single strand of hope; and even dreamt higher. Bugoy, despite the inconvenience life has to offer, has surpassed and fought the endless battle of poverty. He strives very hard and gets his luck within their barong-barong, a candle, and burnt eyebrows together with the obstacles he deemed as challenges.

I just finished highschool and had the chance to go back again to Tondo. I heard again a news, that this young boy, has been supported by a wealthy couple who were very amazed with his courage and persistence to have a better life. I’ve learned that he has recently joined an educational competition in both local and international levels. With his wits and diligence, he has gone beyond a little boy’s dream and gave his family hope that there’s a great life despite the crisis.

Now, Bugoy needs not to use candles for his studies but still looks into it not just a thing, but a light that could brighten up anyone’s hope.

With his story, I hope it could inspire a lot of students who are using candles to study. There’s no reason to give up. What’s more important is to turn your weakness into strength and to surpass all the challenges in this world. People like Bugoy are to be praised and should be a model for everyone especially for those who just live in luxury but end up radical, just because they don’t get what they want.

Look around you; there are lots of people like Bugoy. Who do you think is lucky enough?

* * * * *

Poverty is one of the main causes of the country’s poor education record and has affected participation in education in more ways than one. It is no wonder then that our country continues to lag behind in terms of economic development compared to our other Southeast Asian neighbors who have invested heavily in uplifting the quality of their basic education system.

We have heard of many sad stories about the current plight of our public education system, only four out of 10 students manage to finish high school and only two are able to finish a four-year college degree.  Government has a role in giving people a hand up, but in the final analysis, as it is described in this story, it’s the choices made by individuals that seal their fate.

“Sunog Kilay” 
written by: Ms. Jennie Mallanao

repost : PhotoVille Club Philippines on Sunday, 17 April 2011 at 00:18

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