While some are born into lives of privilege—complete families, endless resources, and every dream within reach—many others must fight for what others take for granted, carving strength from their struggles.

Hilbert John Barrido, a courageous lad from Purok 2, Brgy. San Antonio Himamaylan City Negros Occidental was the second child among the three siblings. He recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Crop Science, from Central Philippines State University in Kabankalan City.

As the second of three siblings, he has faced challenges shaping his determination. Since grade three, Hilbert has grown up without the presence of his parents, who remain alive but absent.

“I struggled financially with my studies since I don’t have parents to support my education, and I am the only one supporting my studies,” Hilbert would describe his struggles ever since his parents got separated and the only relative who cared for him was his grandmother.

“My parents are still alive but absent in their presence,” Hilbert said, expressing a deep longing for the family connection he has always missed.

“Actually, I have been a product of a broken family since I was in grade three, and my grandmother took all the responsibility in the absence of my parents. My parents are still alive but absent with their presence,” Hilbert would describe his childhood and how he longs for the presence and support of his beloved parents.

On a tightrope

Throughout college, Hilbert was a self-supporting student, struggling to make ends meet both in school and at home. Without parental support, he worked alongside his siblings to cover his tuition and daily expenses.

To fund his education and provide for their needs, Hilbert took on physically demanding jobs on sugarcane farms, including tasks like “karga-tapas,” “pang hilamon,” and any other work he could handle.

“At times, I went to my boarding house with a single penny in my pocket—just enough for my transportation. I suffered a lot of hardships because I knew I could get through this situation. I managed to survive with all my problems and challenges when I was studying at CPSU-Main Campus,” he said.

Hilbert believed that poverty was not a hindrance to finishing college. He stresses, “If you want to finish your studies, of course there are trials and hindrances that may come along the way.”

“Be grateful that you have your parents beside you, supporting you,” says a young man who faced countless struggles to finish his studies. His words carry the weight of a journey shaped by adversity, reminding us of the irreplaceable role family plays in our pursuit of success.

Silver lining

Despite the weight of his struggles to make ends meet, Hilbert never allowed hardship to steal his sense of purpose. While working tirelessly on sugarcane farms and juggling various jobs to fund his education, he still carved out time for his community through HBONI.

“Through HBONI, I make a contribution to my community by sharing my knowledge and skills with the children to enhance their reading and writing skills at San Antonio Elementary School. HBONI changed me to be confident when it comes to speaking in front of people.” Hilbert shared his development with HBONI.

Hilbert’s journey wasn’t easy—every day was a balancing act between survival and service. Yet, he poured his heart into HBONI, understanding that his sacrifices weren’t just for his future, but also for the next generation.

“It taught the value of making someone a hero from zero,” he said, reflecting on how his challenges helped him empathize with those in need.

For him, helping others became his driving force, something that fueled him when the road felt too long and the weight too heavy.*