When pandemic struck in 2020, online learning became the new normal not only for students, but for many parents as well.
But since stable internet and phone connection in the Philippines is still far from ideal, studying – for most students in far-flung villages – has become even more challenging.
Luckily for this boy in Catanduanes, he has a grandfather who is very supportive of his effort to adjust to the new set-up.
Bayan Patroller Jorge Tejada shared he chanced upon the grandfather and his grandson in Baras town. The two were seated on a rocky portion by the roadside and the boy appears to be seriously studying his module.
The grandfather, 71-year-old Arnulfo Teves, meanwhile, was beside him holding an umbrella; making sure that the boy, 12-year-old Daniel, is sheltered from the rain.
Tejada, a high school teacher himself, said he took pity on Lolo Arnulfo since he is already old and it was raining that day. But he was also inspired by the sacrifice of the old man just to make sure his grandson gets his modules done.
“Nung una po naawa ako sa mag Lolo kasi nandon sila kahit umuulan na. Tapos medyo matanda na rin talaga si Lolo. Pero na-inspire ako kasi kahit hirap sila ay patuloy pa rin sila sa pag sagot sa module ng bata,” said Tejada.
In an interview with Bayan Mo, Ipatrol Mo, Lolo Arnulfo said he has been accompanying Daniel on the same spot everyday so his grandson can complete his school requirements. It was the only spot in the area with a clear signal but they have to walk around 30 minutes to reach the area.
Also there was no electricity in their village so they still needed to pay P15 to charge their phone using a generator.
Daniel and his siblings has been under Tatay Arnulfo’s care and they rely mainly on his and his wife’s pension which is about P5,000 monthly.
Despite this, Tatay Arnulfo promised he will never get tired of supporting Daniel until his grandson finally reached his dreams.