2 new doctors share stories of never giving up

Two of the country's new doctors shared their life stories and struggles in pursuing medicine.

In a report by Oscar Oida on "24 Oras," the entire family of Justin Beligolo screamed and jumped for joy when he passed the Physician Licensure Exam held in October.

Justin is among the over 3,000 new doctors who recently passed the physician licensure examinations.

“Grabe ‘yung kaba po, parang di ko talaga ma-explain. So sabi talaga—sabi ko sa nanay ko na ‘Ma, parang wala ng pag-asa ‘to. Pero nung pag-scroll ko further po, atsaka nakita ko ‘yung 522, kasi ‘yung, nandun ‘yung pangalan ko. ‘Yung kaba ko, nawala talaga. So yun napatalon ako, napasigaw, umiyak, lahat ng emotions po. ‘Yung rollercoaster of emotions po nandun," he shared.

In this milestone, he said his family poured blood and sweat into his dream of pursuing medicine.

“Medisina pa, napakahirap talaga. And at the same time yung nanay ko walang work, yung tatay ko rin walang work. Sideline sideline lang atsaka nakatira lang kami sa bahay ng tita ko. Kami yung caretaker sa bahay nila. Talagang doble kayod talaga yung dapat kong maranasan,” he said.

Fortunately, his aunt helped him with his school fees during his pre-medical course. His father works as a guard and construction worker while he accompanies him to sell food.

“Napakahirap talaga ng situation ko pero yung family ko yung nag-sustain talaga sa akin ng motivation, lahat.”

He said that all the sacrifices were worth it now that he is a licensed doctor.

“Yung hirap nila atsaka ano po, yung struggles nila, kitang kita ko talaga yung pagpapamahal nila sa akin po. So gusto kong masuklian yun gamit ang aking, anong, maagang pag-aaral po so yun yung simple way ko for showing them na love ko sila," he added.

Mark Johnuel Matabilas Duavis, a 31-year-old from Bohol, not only passed the exam but was also emerged board topnotcher.

"I was very happy, I was shocked, I was even crying. It was fulfilling and rewarding at the same time," he shared.

Duavis graduated cum laude and class valedictorian of the University of Cebu School of Medicine. He even shared a piece of advice to students currently struggling in life and academics.

"Never give up on your dreams no matter how, siguro, impossible they may seem because once you always strive to aspire and do whatever it takes to reach that thing, it will, it will happen," Duavis said.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA News