Jobane Barral

HIS LIFE ON THE ROAD

by Clint P. Gomez

He believes in chasing dreams and the only way to catch up on them: a better education to uplift one's living condition.

Jobane Barral, 17, saw the harsh times at high speed. The loss of his father led him to many odd jobs to make both ends meet for his family. He became a household helper, a trisikad driver, and a gardener. His two elder stepsisters also got married early leaving him with two younger siblings and his mother under his watch.

He had seen life’s difficulties like anything but he kept his faith and finished his high school in San Francisco, Camotes where he came from. The fear of becoming just like his parents motivated this young man to pursue his college by all means. With a little help from a relative in Cebu City, Jobane was able to get by and stay in the city to seek for opportunities where he could finish even a tech-voc course. It was then that he found his way to CITE.

Jobane is now a first year student in Electromechanics Technology. But it was not easy for him either. After school, he had to stay up late at night to drive a trisikad for his baon the next day. He combs his way through the busy streets of Mandaue until he could earn at least P30.00 before he retires at night.

When his case was referred to CITE Charity Fund Drive, Jobane was given assistance with his meal and transportation needs. Given enough time for studying, Jobane now only spares his weekend for driving his trisikad. He also receives scholarship grant from Congresswoman Nerissa Soon-Ruiz through Financial Assistance Under Priority Development Assistance Fund. Despite being a working student, Jobane always sees to it to that he’s not giving up on his studies. With good grades to boot and a cheerful disposition at times, he is admired by many of his classmates and teachers. "Things may be difficult, but we have to pursue, " he asserted.

Jobane is thankful to CITE for the assistance. His tutor, Mr. Mars Hamoy, always encourages him to persevere and his second family, his adoptive parents, remind him to never lose sight of his dreams. Amidst the hardships, he remains optimistic because he believes that the ride to success will not be always be bumpy as it is today. "Even if you are poor, if you only work hard and pray harder, you will reach your goals," he concluded.