Kakampi Mo Ang Batas
By Atty. Batas Mauricio
“…Train the child in the way he should go and he will never depart from it even if he grows old…”
For Filipinos experiencing difficult and impoverished lives, who believe they no longer have the ability to achieve their dreams, I suggest you focus on the life story of Jaywardene Galilea Hontoria, Philippine Military Academy (PMA) valedictorian for 2018.
Hontoria proved (once again) that even if a person is poor, they can still become greatly successful.
The PMA graduate is one of three children born to a farmer from Barangay Balabag in Pavia, Iloilo. Growing up on the farm, when he believed he was old enough to till the land himself, he asked his father to teach him how to plow the field. However, Hontoria’s father refused and said he needed to focus on studies.
His father made it clear, the only inheritance Hontoria could expect was an education. According to the PMA alumni, he took what his father offered to heart, which compelled him to study well and dream big. As a result of studying he became a nurse; and after dreaming bigger, he became PMA Class Talab Alab, Class of 2018 valedictorian.
Dad and Mom were right: Studying well means living well later
For parents who have been blessed by God with a strong sense of care, despite the lack of material comforts, they always advise their children to study well in order to gather the appropriate prerequisites for college, which will help provide them with gainful employment, both in the Philippines and abroad.
That was the message offered by my parents: Melanio Pauco Mauricio, Sr. of Ramos, Tarlac, who went to the great beyond in 2016; and Salvacion Lazo Mauricio of Santa Lucia-San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur, who, at 84 years old, continued to be blessed by Jesus.
For us, their children – Myself; Philip; Leny, who also became a lawyer like me; Ariel, who died in 2016 while executing his duties as Barangay Poblacion Center captain in Ramos; and Marisa, who also became a lawyer – there was one thing out parents repeatedly drilled in our consciousness: study hard and well.
There is nothing else that we could ever bequeath to you except your education, they insisted.
Success in education is key to success in life
We were somehow showered with blessings. Daddy and Mommy were gifted with gainful employment. Both my parents were teachers; however, after a short period, my father went on to become a municipal councilor.
When it was time to go to Metro Manila to pursue our college education, they were given good positions by the then-Bureau of Cooperatives Development.
Not withstanding, Daddy and Mommy did not stop or waver in their reminders to study – study, study more, then study all over again! I recall one time during my first year at the University of the Philippines-College of Law when I failed one class because I was seeing a lady doctor, who made it known she had a “crush” on me.
My father was furious and refused to talk to me for quite some time. During that time, I wasn’t able to understand his strictness but, now, it has been shown time and time again that he and my mother were right.
As a consequence, I have the same advice for today’s youth. Study first, little ones, in order to assure comfort as you grow older.
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If anyone would like to ask me questions about the burning issues of the day, what we have discussed here, or to consult on a problem, please call 0917-984-2468, email at batasmauricio@yahoo.com, or post your concerns at facebook.com/attybatas. Promise, I will answer right away. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!