A section of college students in Iloilo City came together to help a classmate who struggled to attend school because she did not have proper footwear for her uniform.
Students from Section 4-Charlie, fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Cruise Ship Management students at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, pooled their contributions to buy a new pair of shoes for their classmate Roxanne.
The gesture gained attention after student Kaizza Larios shared a Facebook and TikTok reel on August 28 showing their class collecting money and surprising Roxanne inside their classroom.
According to Kaizza, there were times when Roxanne could not attend the university because students were required to wear a complete uniform. Roxanne had shared that she did not have enough money to buy shoes and sometimes borrowed a pair that she could use for school.
The class initially agreed to contribute ₱30 each. Some classmates voluntarily gave more, with contributions ranging from ₱50 to ₱100. Their combined contributions allowed them to purchase a pair of shoes worth around ₱700 to ₱800.
The surprise happened after their Life and Works of Rizal class. There was no special occasion behind the gesture. Their professor helped carry out the plan by calling Roxanne to the front before her classmates presented the gift. They also gave her a cake that another student already had for a sibling’s birthday.
In her post, Kaizza described their section as a group that supports one another and makes sure no one feels left behind.
