A college professor stepped in to accompany his student during a Pinning and Hard Hatting Ceremony after the young man asked him to stand in for a parent who could not attend.
At Southern Luzon State University’s College of Engineering, the professor joined Jovanie onstage and helped with the ceremonial pinning. Footage shows him standing beside the student, adjusting an item on his shirt and assisting with his hard hat.
Jovanie initially felt embarrassed about approaching his professor. He eventually gathered the courage to send a message through their group chat, writing,
“Paampon ako saglit.”
A screenshot of the exchange identifies the professor as Maurino Abuel, who agreed to accompany him during the ceremony.
The student’s request came amid years of family hardship. Jovanie, from Tagum City in Davao del Norte, lost his father when he was just one year old. His mother, Evangeline, raised him and supported his education while facing financial difficulties.
Jovanie later moved to Quezon Province for college. He had grown accustomed to attending school activities without his mother. Evangeline wanted to witness his pinning ceremony but could not afford the transportation expenses needed to make the trip.
With his mother unable to attend, Jovanie turned to his professor. Abuel’s willingness to accompany him allowed the student to participate in the ceremony with someone beside him during an important academic milestone.
Jovanie expressed no resentment toward his mother over her absence. He understood their financial circumstances and remained determined to do well in his studies.
As he continues his college education, Jovanie hopes his mother will be able to attend his graduation and accompany him onstage. For this ceremony, his professor was there to share the moment with him.
