MANILA — It is a communal tradition that parents are often the witness to one's educational achievement. But a Chemical Engineering student from University of the Philippines - Visayas (UPV) brought his younger siblings with him during his graduation last July 9. 

Eugenio S. Roque III, a 23-year-old aspiring engineer from General Santos City, graduated cum laude from their batch. However, due to the untimely passing of his parents, they were not able to accompany Roque to his proudest moment. So he brought his younger siblings, 10-year-old Yuri and 8-year-old Jesse Diane, instead.

"Dapat kasi mag-graduate ako last year. Kaso na-delay ako for one sem dahil sa thesis. Kaya last year, plan ko na talaga na sila ang magbibigay, magsasablay sa aking medal at magdadala sa akin sa stage for recognition. Kasi, ganoon gusto ko lang ibigay sa kanila ang pagkakataon. Parang i-recognize din 'yung aking hard work. Na i-try i-dedicate ko na rin sa kanila. Kasi sila na lang naiiwan kong family dito sa amin," he told ABS-CBN News in an interview on why he brought his younger siblings.

Roque's younger siblings were able to attend his graduation from General Santos City to Iloilo through the netizens' support, drawing undeniable inspiration and heart-warming reactions in the social media platform.

"Una is na-touch ako sa kanilang mga pag-extent ng kanilang congratulations to me. And parang tumaba ang puso ko dahil may mga taong naging proud sa akin. May mga taong naka-relate... And may iba na masaya din. Masaya na ang iba ginawa nilang inspiration 'yung proudest moment na 'yun, na 'yung kapatid ko ang nagsabit sa akin na aking medal," he said. 

Relationship with his parents and siblings 

Roque recalled that his relationship with his mother was deep as she was the first one to accept him when he came out despite their religious differences. 

"Hindi niya ako pinagalitin. To think na super religious siya na person. Devoted siya sa pagiging Christian. Pero 'yun, hindi niya ako pinagalitan. And parang tinanggap niyo muna ako silently hanggang sa months later. Nakita niya 'yung love letter ko na ginawa ko sa crush ko...Ang sweet sabi niya sa akin," he narrated.

Meanwhile, his relationship wih his father started off timidly until they become close, especially during the lockdown. 

"Noong pandemic, na-strand kami dito sa aming bahay. Mas nag-cultivate 'yung aming relationship... Parang ang naging progress na aming relationship is parang brotherly na," Roque said. 

With his siblings, the relationship is pure and genuine as he was their "favorite kuya" and as he was one the who took care of them when their parents passed away.

In March 2020, they lost their mother who suffered medical conditions. And in January 2023, his father died due to complications of stomach ulcer.

Tribute his late parents' dream

Just like any other parents, his parents wished for Roque to be able to finish his studies.

"Ang dream ng mother ko talaga is makapagtapos ako ng pag-aaral at maihaon ang aming buhay sa kahirapan. And ang father ko naman is magpatuloy lang sa pag-aaral din... Kasi sa amin ako lang talaga, sa aming family, ako lang nakapagtaguyod sa college. And sa family ng Roque, ako lang din ang first time na nagka-graduate sa college," he said.

"Naging dream ko na lang din ang dream nila. Kasi 'yun din ang parang gusto ko, na maihaon ko sa buhay sa aming family. And bigyan ko talaga ng magandang buhay ang aking mga kapatid — ang dalawang kapatid ko. Especially sa mga bagay na pinagkait sa akin ng buhay. Kaya gusto ko... masaya at maganda ang kanilang magiging future," Roque added. 

Padayon! 

'Padayon' is a Visayan word means 'to continue and to move forward' and surely. Roque carries on despite the tragic moments in his life. 

Asked for advice for those who experienced the same loss, he said, "Para sa mga nawalan din ng mga family, ng kanilang mga loved ones... tanggapin na lang talaga na ganun ang buhay. Kung that incident man magpapa-stop sa 'yo from your journey, pahinga muna and rest."  

"And magmuni-muni and i-reflect kung ano ba ang nangyari. Ano ba ang mangyayari. Ano ba ang dapat gawin. Then kung kaya na magpatuloy, padayon," he added.

Roque is currently reviewing as he plans to take board exam and hopefully practice his chosen profession as a chemical engineer.