With her heart grappling with sadness, a mother in Ilocos Norte went on stage for her son’s graduation a few weeks after he passed away. 

Gileen Lampitoc wanted to fulfill her son Liam’s dream of marching at his graduation at Banna National High School.

Holding Liam’s graduation photo close, Gileen walked tearfully across the stage and accepted the medal her son earned for his academic performance. 

Liam died from a motorcycle accident on May 7, 2024. He was 18. 

"Proud na proud ako sa kanya, kaya nga excited ako kahapon kahit na wala siya, excited ako na meron pala siyang medal," Gileen said.

Liam’s classmates included his photo in their class picture to ensure that his presence was felt.

After the graduation ceremony, the Lampitoc family visited Liam’s grave.

"Pumunta muna kami sa lugar ng pinangyarihang ng aksidente, [tapos] nag-alay ng kandila at snacks niya," Gileen said.

Liam would have wanted to study criminology and serve as a police officer.