Love can endure sacrifices, which make a son or a daughter who is willing to go through them an ideal one for their parents and a role model for others, this year’s “Huwaran nga Anak” (exemplary child) awardee of Iloilo City said.

Anthony Sarches, 32, of Sambag village, Jaro district, said selfless love is what makes sacrifices sweeter.

Sarches is among the seven children raised alone by their widowed mother. He worked as an all-around houseboy to answer the financial needs of his siblings.

“I stopped my studies for 14 years because I chose to help my parent. My younger siblings attended school so I took the responsibility,” he said.

Sarches said after three of his younger siblings finished college, his employer helped him learn driving. It was during this time that he thought of pursuing his own studies to fulfill his dream of becoming a teacher.

He now juggles his time as a Grade 11 Humanities and Social Sciences Strand (HUMSS) student at Mandurriao National High School while serving as a family driver.

Anthony is thankful for the understanding of his employers and teachers as they support him in his endeavor as a working student.

“My employers know that I want to attend school and they ask my service only when I do not have class or during the weekends. On the other hand, when they request me for important long-distance drives, I ask my teachers to miss my classes and I am thankful that they also understand,” he said.

Sarches’ perseverance and dedication have helped him earn recognition as grand prize winner of the “Huwaran nga Anak” award on Saturday, receiving a P10,000 plum.

He and the other 13 nominees to the award automatically received a college scholarship from the city government.

The “Huwaran nga Anak” citation is an initiative of the Iloilo City Task Force on Street Children and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to recognize children who give positive contribution to the community.

Sarches said the recognition has inspired him to do better and gave him the positive outlook that he can triumph over any challenge that might come his way.

Elizabeth Hechanova of the CSWDO said Sarches’ story serves as an example to the youth in this city and imparts to them that poverty should not stop a person from reaching his or her dreams and becoming effective members of the society.

Two representatives from each of seven districts of this city took part in the nomination for the “Huwaran nga Anak”.

“The nominees were identified as active members in the school and the community despite poverty,” Hechanova said.

She said the “Huwaran nga Anak” recognition, which is given annually, is one of the efforts of the city government to provide hope and opportunity for the youth.PNA