Self-supporting student, tricycle driver who inspired netizens for juggling studies with work is now an encoder in city hall

A self-supporting Grade 11 student and tricycle driver who inspired netizens last September for juggling work with his studies is now an encoder at the Quezon City Hall.

Months ago, 21-year-old Michael Jabal touched the hearts of many when he was spotted working on his modules while waiting for passengers at a tricycle terminal along Congressional Avenue.

Hoping to provide him with early Christmas gifts, Marisol Abdurahman on Thursday's "24 Oras" looked for him at the same location. She found out that Jabal is now working as an encoder at the Quezon City Hall.

"Sobrang saya po kasi may maayos na po akong trabaho. Minsan po nagpapaalam po ako sa mga sir ko kung pwede ako mag-online class. Pinapayagan po nila ako," Jabal said.

["I'm so happy because I have a regular job now. Sometimes I ask my bosses if I can attend online class. They allow me to do so."]

Jabal said he is now able to support his family in Iloilo compared to earning just P200 a day before. He has eight siblings and he is the only one helping his parents.

The Quezon City Hall's Billings and Licensing Department head, Margie Santos, said she hired Jabal after seeing him on the "24 Oras" report.

"Sana 'yung pagkuha namin sa kanya ay nakatulong sa kanya at lalo pang nag-push sa kanya para siya ay mangarap nang mas mataas," Santos said.

["I hope our hiring of him helped him and pushed him even more to dream higher."]

Through the help of the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Jabal was also given shoes, clothes, and grocery packs.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News