Former kargador and street vendor graduates from law school

Thanks to his work as a street vendor and porter, 26-year-old Jorenz Obiedo was able to finish his studies and even graduate from law school.

According to Mariz Umali's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, Jorenz started working early so he could continue his studies.

His father is a construction worker and his mother is a housewife. He is among 12 children.

"'Yung tatay ko po sinama po ako na magbenta po nung dirty ice cream po. So 'yun po 'yung una kong trabaho. Mas mabigat pa po 'yung dinadala ko na styro box kesa po sa bigat ko po," Jorenz said.

"Nag-dishwasher po ako ng lugawan tapos nagkargador din po ng softdrinks. Naging boy din po ako or helper ng hardware store, suma-sideline po ako sa papa ko nung college 'yung nagko-construction," he added.

He remembered that there were times when their family had nothing to spend, and he had no allowance or food to eat when he got home.

All of his siblings had stopped studying, but Jorenz continued to work for his dreams.

"Ayokong maging part 'yung buhay ko ng cycle ng poverty. Ayoko rin po maranasan po nung magiging anak ko 'yung naranasan ko po," he said.

He continued working in college, and when he entered law school, he worked as a stenographer.

Jorenz graduated from the University of Caloocan City College of Law as the valedictorian of his batch.

He hopes to work at a public attorney's office.

"Gusto ko rin po makatulong sa ibang tao. Mga kagaya ko po na wala pong means na maka-access sa justice," he said.

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News