On the day of his graduation, a student who had just graduated broke down in tears since his parents had forgotten him and were not there for his great day.

An emotional university graduate in the Philippines was able to capture the hearts of many netizens in the country after sharing the story behind many photos of himself crying during his graduation ceremony.

Jeric Rivas, who just graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology, recently wrote about how he felt about his parents’ failure to attend one of the most important days of his life.

Rivas said in a post that went viral on Facebook that he was hopeful that they would show up on the day of his graduation despite the fact that they had never been present for him in any form during his whole life.

Rivas received his diploma from La Concepcion College in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, where he excelled academically and was recognized as the best student in his class.

Rivas said that he tried to walk boldly as his name was called up on stage during the graduation ceremony; nevertheless, he ended up breaking down in tears as a result of the realization that his parents did not come up again.

Rivas claims that his parents have never been there for him through important events in his life, such as the graduation from elementary school when he got the highest honors.

Jeric left his homeland on Sibuyan Island, which is located in the province of Romblon, in order to start a new life somewhere else.

Working various jobs was vital for him to be able to pay the high cost of tuition at a prestigious college such as La Concepcion College, where he was enrolled.

He worked as a factory worker, a fast food service employee, and even a house cleaner while pursuing his academic goals.

His heartbreaking situation was brought to the attention of a few of his sympathetic professors, who helped him by providing housing and other needs. People that supported him over the years gradually started to seem like family to him.

When Rivas’ name was called to get his scroll, one of his professors proudly accompanied him to the stage.

Rivas thanked his professors and everyone who had supported him over the years in his Facebook post.

He thanked his parents and hoped that one day they would be proud to see him succeed.

“To my parents, who could still not accept me in their life, if you’re reading this, this is me now and I hope I made you proud…” he said.

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