MANILA, Philippines – A new graduate proudly honors his dad on Facebook, sharing that the old man had sent him to school despite being a ‘basurero’ (scavenger).
“Flex ko lang tatay ko kahit basurero siya napagraduate niya ako,” wrote Junnel Gemida.
The post gained much attention online, with many netizens praising both Junnel and his father, 51-year-old Tatay Juanito Reyes. Many wished that they had a father like Tatay Juanito who might not be rich but he is doing his best to provide for his family in an honest way.
For many poor folks, an education is the only treasure they could give to their children. It is their belief that education will bring their children a better life in the future. With that belief in mind, Tatay Juanito made sure to send his two children to school.
Being a ‘basurero’ is such a messy, smelly job but Tatay Juanito was willing to do anything to make sure his two children will be in school. He used to work as family driver, but his failing eyesight would lead him to quit. According to him, there were times when he had to stop the car because he could not see the vehicles in front of him.
Instead of waiting to be terminated or, worse, figure in an accident, Tatay Juanito decided to quit. Since his failing eyesight was also a big hindrance in him finding another good-paying job, he settled to being a ‘basurero’.
Money was tight but he had help from his kind wife, Nanay Conrada Gemida, who cleaned in other people’s houses.
As Junnel graduates from the University of Caloocan City, he promised his parents that he would try his best to find a job the soonest time possible so he could help the out and provide them with the things they had only wished for in life. But Tatay Juanito said he’s not asking anything from Junnel and is still willing to continue searching for trash to send his younger child to school.
Their heartwarming story reached “Wish Ko Lang”. The family received groceries and much-needed help to have Tatay Juanito’s eyes checked. Watch their story here:
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
“Flex ko lang tatay ko kahit basurero siya napagraduate niya ako,” wrote Junnel Gemida.
The post gained much attention online, with many netizens praising both Junnel and his father, 51-year-old Tatay Juanito Reyes. Many wished that they had a father like Tatay Juanito who might not be rich but he is doing his best to provide for his family in an honest way.
 |
| Photo credit: Junnel Gemida / Facebook |
For many poor folks, an education is the only treasure they could give to their children. It is their belief that education will bring their children a better life in the future. With that belief in mind, Tatay Juanito made sure to send his two children to school.
Being a ‘basurero’ is such a messy, smelly job but Tatay Juanito was willing to do anything to make sure his two children will be in school. He used to work as family driver, but his failing eyesight would lead him to quit. According to him, there were times when he had to stop the car because he could not see the vehicles in front of him.
 |
| Photo credit: Wish Ko Lang |
Instead of waiting to be terminated or, worse, figure in an accident, Tatay Juanito decided to quit. Since his failing eyesight was also a big hindrance in him finding another good-paying job, he settled to being a ‘basurero’.
Money was tight but he had help from his kind wife, Nanay Conrada Gemida, who cleaned in other people’s houses.
As Junnel graduates from the University of Caloocan City, he promised his parents that he would try his best to find a job the soonest time possible so he could help the out and provide them with the things they had only wished for in life. But Tatay Juanito said he’s not asking anything from Junnel and is still willing to continue searching for trash to send his younger child to school.
 |
| Photo credit: Junnel Gemida / Facebook |
Their heartwarming story reached “Wish Ko Lang”. The family received groceries and much-needed help to have Tatay Juanito’s eyes checked. Watch their story here:
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
