By Marjorie Lumapas
For this high school graduate from Biliran, it is his grandma who has been his solid rock.
Zacharry Luis Punay, 25, from Culaba, Biliran recently posted on Facebook photos of his graduation where he was accompanied by his grandma Lourdes, 85, and shared an inspiring story beyond finishing cookery under the technical vocational learning program in senior high school.
“My lola is my inspiration po sa lahat ng bagay na aking ginagawa, and she’s my strength in every problem and struggles na aking hinahaharap po,” Zacharry said in an interview with The Philippine Star.
“At sa lahat ng pagkukulang ng aking magulang ay siya po ang pumuno, and my biggest fear in life is mawala po yung lola ko.”
Zacharry explained that at the age of four, his parents got separated so together with his other three siblings, they were left under the care of their grandparents. Unfortunately, his grandpa passed away in his first year in high school.
“Siya na lang po meron ako kasi wala na rin po lolo ko at di ko po kaya malayo sa lola ko na siya pong aruga sa akin at sa dalawa ko pong kapatid,” he said.
“Gagawin ko po lahat para sa lola ko. Pinilit ko pong makapag tapos sa lahat ng problema at hindi po hindrance ang edad ko para makapagtapos ng pag-aaral.”
Zacharry recalled how difficult it was like during parent-teacher conferences or family gatherings. Their uncle and auntie would stand in their parents’ absence.
“May pagkakataon po na naiinggit ako sa tuwing nakikita ko yung ibang mga anak na my mga magulang, pero as time goes by po, nasasanay na lang po ako na wala sila dahil nandiyan naman palagi lolo’t lola ko na di nagkulang sa pagbibigay at pag paparamdan ng pagmamahal sa aming magkakapatid,” he said.
He even tried to find that missing parental love among his friends, causing him to stop temporarily in high school.
“Hanggang sa nasa legal age na po ako na kaya ko na po buhayin sarili ko, pumunta po akong Maynila para mag trabaho sa edad na 21,” he said.
“Nakita ko po kung gaano kahirap mag trabaho ng walang napagtapusan. Mahirap maghanap ng trabaho ng walang diploma. Hanggang sa naiisip ko po ng bumalik sa pag-aaral.”
Zacharry became more dedicated and persevered to finish high school in exchange for the unconditional love and sacrifices his grandparents provided for them.
“Sobrang pagmamahal at pagiging mabuting apo lang po ang aking maibabalik sa inyo at pag-aaral ng mabuti para ako naman po ang makabawi sa lahat ng hirap at pagmamahal na inyong binigay sa amin,” Zacharry said.
Despite graduating at an older age compared to his fellow classmates, Zacharry said that it should not be a hindrance to those who have dreams and aspirations like his.
“At sa mga kapwa students ko po ay di basehan ang edad kung gusto mong makapagtapos. Kahit gaano kahirap laban para sa pangarap. And always give thanks to the Lord sa maliit o malaking bagay na iyong matatanggap,” he concluded.
