07/09/2026
๐๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ซ
Things a Grade 10 student carries in life
Before the sun can even touch the ground, while most people are still fast asleep, 15-year-old Niรฑo Bermoy Panday is already busy preparing for another day of work. He heads to the place where he gathers sukang tuba, or coconut wine, carrying the tools that have become part of his daily routine.
In his life, he carries two bags: one filled with notebooks and pens, and another containing a spear, a bamboo pole, and other materials he uses for panangot, the act of gathering coconut wine. He may live two lives in a single day, but he has only one missionโto help his family and finish his education.
Niรฑo started doing panananggot simply to help his family, even in a small way. At first, he planned to do it only for a while so he could contribute to his parentsโ daily expenses.
Neighbors, friends, and even his teachers began buying his sukang tuba. What started as a simple way to earn money became a small source of income that encouraged him to continue.
Niรฑo is currently a grade 10 student at Bayabas Integrated School, a young learner who carries big dreams for his future.
"Nangandoy jud ko nga makahuman og eskwela para makatabang sa akong ginikanan," he stated.
Despite the challenges he has faced, he has never shown any sign of giving up. Beyond this, he also dreams of pursuing an automotive course in college, turning his passion and determination into a path toward a brighter future.
While studying and working at the same time, Niรฑo sometimes cannot help but compare his life with other students. Yet instead of being discouraged by their differences, he chooses to be proud of himself.
"Bahalag lahi ko sa ubang estudyante, basta kay makatabang lang ko sa akong ginikanan," he claimed.
While other teenagers begin their mornings preparing for school, he begins his day preparing for both work and studies. While others head home to rest after a long day, he returns to his duties as a mananggot before settling down to finish his assignments. And while others may carry only their school bags, he carries twoโone for his education and another for his familyโs needs. He may be living two lives, but both lead to the same destination.
โ๏ธ Callie Mae Tampulong