MANILA, Philippines – Arenz Jade Docdocil is the son of farmers in Banga, South Cotabato but poverty did not stop him from reaching for his dreams of becoming a doctor someday, even if that was first met with opposition from his family.
“My parents are both farmers, cultivating a small piece of land as our family’s sole source of income. To grant my dream and send me to a medical school seemed impossible to them. I may be able to enter medschool but I might be forced to stop in the middle [of my education] because my parents will probably run out of resources to support me,” Docdocil explained in his post on Facebook.
Each time he would mention to his parents about his dream of becoming a doctor, they would try to discourage him because they knew that it is an expensive dream. They were afraid that if their son would pursue this dream, he would just end up disappointed because they can’t support him financially.
But Docdocil said that he was ‘too stubborn’ to quit. With the encouragement of his grandfather who told his parents not to hesitate in selling their farm, if needed, so their son could fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor, Docdocil took the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) and enrolled at the College of Medicine at Mindanao State University – Iligan City.
SEE ALSO: CHED authorizes medical schools to admit students sans NMAT 2020
He said that the school is the country’s most affordable medical school and that it was perfectly suited for his parents’ pockets. However, he soon learned that medical school is more than just the tuition fees.
“Tuition in MSU-COM is minimal but the medschool way of living is very costly. Every week that passed by was a challenge for my parents to overcome. I am at least lucky that my family is very supportive to provide me my needs by exhausting all means available,” Docdocil narrated.
Even though they opposed his plan of studying at medschool, his parents were very supportive when he began his studies. It even came to the point when his mother had to postpone surgery for adenomyosis, just so he could continue with his studies.
“I can't imagine how much heat from the sun my father had to endure to do farmwork all by himself and not spend money for other important things just so he can save it up and send it to me. I can't also imagine the sacrifices of my grandmother despite her old age just to help save up for my needs,” he added.
But now that he has graduated with a degree in Doctor of Medicine, he is one step closer to the goal of becoming a doctor. Docdocil also graduated with flying colors as First Honorable Mention of Batch 2020 (Class Pinagpala).
“Just like all the other graduates of 2020, I am very sad that the day we have been looking forward after 4 years of struggle is postponed indefinitely. But I am sadder for my parents who, months before graduation day, were able to prepare their barong and filipiniana,” he mused.
“They were so excited for the day they will be witnessing the biggest investment of their lives wear the highly coveted three-striped toga, marching up the stage, and receive the diploma of a Doctor of Medicine. Yet, this pandemic robbed that memorable experience from them.”
Despite not being able to march on stage to receive his diploma and medal, Docdocil is happy that he was able to reach this far. He thanks his parents and all the people who helped him in this journey.
“To those who also have dreams yet are limited by financial constraints, a plethora of ways are always there to make your dreams come true,” the young doctor advised.
Congratulations, Arenz Jade Docdocil!
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
“My parents are both farmers, cultivating a small piece of land as our family’s sole source of income. To grant my dream and send me to a medical school seemed impossible to them. I may be able to enter medschool but I might be forced to stop in the middle [of my education] because my parents will probably run out of resources to support me,” Docdocil explained in his post on Facebook.
Each time he would mention to his parents about his dream of becoming a doctor, they would try to discourage him because they knew that it is an expensive dream. They were afraid that if their son would pursue this dream, he would just end up disappointed because they can’t support him financially.
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| Photo credit: Arenz Jade Docdocil / Facebook |
But Docdocil said that he was ‘too stubborn’ to quit. With the encouragement of his grandfather who told his parents not to hesitate in selling their farm, if needed, so their son could fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor, Docdocil took the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) and enrolled at the College of Medicine at Mindanao State University – Iligan City.
SEE ALSO: CHED authorizes medical schools to admit students sans NMAT 2020
He said that the school is the country’s most affordable medical school and that it was perfectly suited for his parents’ pockets. However, he soon learned that medical school is more than just the tuition fees.
“Tuition in MSU-COM is minimal but the medschool way of living is very costly. Every week that passed by was a challenge for my parents to overcome. I am at least lucky that my family is very supportive to provide me my needs by exhausting all means available,” Docdocil narrated.
Even though they opposed his plan of studying at medschool, his parents were very supportive when he began his studies. It even came to the point when his mother had to postpone surgery for adenomyosis, just so he could continue with his studies.
 |
| Photo credit: Arenz Jade Docdocil / Facebook |
“I can't imagine how much heat from the sun my father had to endure to do farmwork all by himself and not spend money for other important things just so he can save it up and send it to me. I can't also imagine the sacrifices of my grandmother despite her old age just to help save up for my needs,” he added.
But now that he has graduated with a degree in Doctor of Medicine, he is one step closer to the goal of becoming a doctor. Docdocil also graduated with flying colors as First Honorable Mention of Batch 2020 (Class Pinagpala).
“Just like all the other graduates of 2020, I am very sad that the day we have been looking forward after 4 years of struggle is postponed indefinitely. But I am sadder for my parents who, months before graduation day, were able to prepare their barong and filipiniana,” he mused.
“They were so excited for the day they will be witnessing the biggest investment of their lives wear the highly coveted three-striped toga, marching up the stage, and receive the diploma of a Doctor of Medicine. Yet, this pandemic robbed that memorable experience from them.”
Despite not being able to march on stage to receive his diploma and medal, Docdocil is happy that he was able to reach this far. He thanks his parents and all the people who helped him in this journey.
“To those who also have dreams yet are limited by financial constraints, a plethora of ways are always there to make your dreams come true,” the young doctor advised.
Congratulations, Arenz Jade Docdocil!
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
