This six-year-old boy carries his sick brother on his back

Instead of enjoying his childhood, a six-year-old boy from Bacoor, Cavite has assumed the role of a parent towards his three-year-old brother who is sick.

According to an episode of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” Ace has been taking care of his brother June (not his real name), who cannot speak and has a paralyzed right arm.

To entertain “June,” Ace carries him around on his back.

Ace and “June” are living with their father Barry, who collects bottles and newspapers to earn income for the family. Their mother, meanwhile, died in an accident last year.

With no one else around to help them out, Ace has no choice but to stay at home and keep an eye on his brother while their father tries to make a living.

“Hindi pupuwedeng walang kasama kasi pag time na inabot siya ng epilepsy, baka tumama sa matitigas na bagay ang ulo,” Barry said.

(“We cannot leave him alone because when he has an epileptic attack, he might hurt his head.”)

Ace is also afraid that something will happen to his brother due to his condition. June might have another attack or get into an accident, so Ace decided to stick with him always.

“Napapaiyak ako. Nagpe-pray po ako, sana po, ‘yung kapatid ko, sana po hindi po atakahin ng sakit niya,” he said.

(“I feel like crying. I pray that my brother gets better.”)

The big brother, who was unable to go to school due to the pandemic, said looking after “June” round the clock has been taking a toll on him physically. Sometimes he is so tired that he no longer wants to play with his friends.

Still, he remains dedicated to stay by his brother’s side.

“Minsan parang gusto ko na po siyang iwanan pero hindi ko magawa-gawa. Paano siya kakain? Hanggang pagtanda ko, aalagaan ko pa siya. Kahit hanggang kamatayan ko. Sobrang mahal ko po siya,” Ace said.

(“Sometimes I want to be by myself. But I could not bring myself to leave him. How will he eat? I will continue to take care of him even when I’m older. I will do it until I die. I love him so much.”)

Barry is aware that his eldest son is sacrificing his childhood to care for June, but life dealt them a difficult hand. His own parents had passed away and his siblings have their own lives, so there is no one else who can help them.

On top of it all, his income is barely enough for their daily needs. Earning P100 is already a good day for him, as he can buy food for his boys. Other days, they depend on the kindness of strangers who give them leftovers.

To help the family, the KMJS team accompanied them to a specialist so “June” and Ace can get a checkup. They also gave financial assistance and a wheelchair for “June” so he does not have to use an old trolley.

More aid also poured in to help their situation. They received groceries, school supplies, and materials they can use for their home.

Asked to give a message to his brother, Ace had words of wisdom to share despite his young age.

“Huwag mong kakalimutan basta kahit paglaki mo basta gumawa ka lang ng mabuti at huwag kang mapang-api. Kahit anong mangyari po hindi ko po siya pababayaan,” he said.

(“As you get older, don’t forget to do good. Do not mistreat others. No matter what happens, I will not abandon you.”)

Those who wish to help may send their donations to:

CEBUANA MICRO SAVINGS
ACCOUNT NAME: ACE BARRY SAVIILA
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 001142460398

—MGP, GMA News