Father and daughter graduate from senior high school at the same time

A father and his daughter graduated from senior high school at the same time in Santa Maria, Bulacan.

According to Mark Salazar's report on "24 Oras," Wednesday, Eleazar Begornia works as a janitor at his daughter Jenalyn's school, the Immaculate Conception Institutions.

The school encouraged Elly to pursue higher education, so he attended classes alongside Jenalyn.

"Kahit po ako utility pinu-push nila ako mag-aral," he said. "Hindi sila nagsabing, 'Uy nagtatrabaho ka 'wag kang mag-aral.' Pinu-push pa po nila ako. Kaya sobrang tuwa ko po nung naka-graduate ako."

Elly and Jenalyn supported each other throughout school—Jenalyn served as her dad's tutor, while Elly became another buddy for his daughter.

"'Yung utak ko medyo kinakalawang na ganun po, kasi po s'yempre ang tagal ko ng hindi nag-aaral, meron pong time na hindi mo talaga alam," he said.

"Hindi ko lang po siya tatay ko, naging kaibigan ko rin po siya dito sa school. Kapag nagkikita po kami nagkakamustahan, nagpapalibre—s'yempre tatay ko— kumakain po kami sa canteen," his daughter added.

Jenalyn, who graduated with high honors, said she is proud to finish senior high school with her dad.

"Even though po nahihirapan siya, nagtatrabaho siya, after po niya magtrabaho nagsasagot po siya ng module," she said. "Sobrang saya po na sa hirap po ng pinagdadaanan namin naka-graduate po kami nang sabay."

Jenalyn is planning to take up hospitality tourism in college. Elly, meanwhile, initially remained unsure if he would continue with his studies.

When ICI surprised him with a scholarship, however, he became emotional and shed some tears.

"Gusto ko po umangat. Hindi habang panahon laging nasa ibaba gusto ko rin tumaas," he said. "Hindi lang palaging sa pagiging utility. Mas tumaas po para hindi palaging maliit ang tingin sa 'yo."

He is now planning to major in physical education so he can become a PE teacher.

Congratulations, Elly and Jenalyn!

—MGP, GMA Integrated News