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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider FB post of boy studying while selling 'balut' in Negros Occidental goes viral

FB post of boy studying while selling 'balut' in Negros Occidental goes viral

Published Oct 6, 2020 04:26 pm

BACOLOD CITY – The Facebook post of a 15-year-old boy, who was photographed studying while on a break from selling “balut” in Victorias City, Negros Occidental has gone viral.

A boy went viral on social media after he was seen reading a learning module while selling “balut” in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. (Photo courtesy of Vanessa Belonio / MANILA BULLETIN)
A boy went viral on social media after he was seen reading a learning module while selling “balut” in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. (Photo courtesy of Vanessa Belonio / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a post by Vanessa Belonio, a student of Central Philippines State University in the city, 15-year-old Julius Barbosa could be seen reading from a textbook while tending to his cart selling “balut” at night.

Ever since Belonio posted Barbosa’s photo on FB last Sunday, it has garnered thousands of shares and reactions from netizens.

“I was very inspired seeing him study while selling balut. I can see that he was very dedicated to learn and to earn to be able to help his family,” Belonio said.

Barbosa is a Grade 10 student at the Victorias City National High School. His father is a tricycle driver, and his mother a housewife.

He said he dreams of becoming a police officer someday, but for now, he has the responsibility of helping provide for his eight siblings.

Julius is the eldest among nine siblings, with the youngest only four months old.

He has been selling balut since he was seven years old.

Barbosa told The Manila Bulletin that he was happy to learn that he served as an inspiration to others.

But for him, his family remains as his inspiration.

According to Barbosa’s mother Joy, they did not force their son to work at a very young age, but Julius had always wanted to help them.

She recalled that this became more urgent when her husband had to stop working as a sugarcane worker in the past.

Joy said Julius would usually leave the house at 4 p.m. to sell balut, and would go home by 10 p.m.

They get the balut from a supplier and sell it, with P2 to P3 profit per piece.

But there are times when sales are not good, and they would have to sustain deficits and losses, she added.

And if selling balut was not enough, Julius also finds time to do household chores, according to Joy.

This was the reason why Julius could not check on his learning modules at home, and would have to sneak in some moments to study while selling balut.

Belonio said she was amazed at how Julius gave importance to education while also finding a way to earn a living at a young age.

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