Legless but not hopeless.
This may well be an apt description of how 21-year-old Ryan “Ipoy” Moralidad views life as a whole despite his physical disabilities.
A native of Sibsib, Tulunan in Cotabato, Moralidad was born without legs from waist down, but this did not stop him from achieving his dreams for himself and for his family.
Moralidad had to stop schooling while in Grade One because of constant bullying. When he was 18 years old, Moralidad’s father died, a situation that made him more determined to take the lead when it comes to providing for his family.
In several videos that has gone viral after being shared by his sister-in-law Irine Dioso early this month, Moralidad was seen doing tasks that are deemed daunting for people with complete body parts.
In those videos, Moralidad would do farming chores like plowing a rice field, riding a carabao and chopping woods, all with seeming ease.
“I want to be of help to my family. Despite having no legs, I try to find ways to help my family,” said Moralidad in an interview with PTV Davao.
Moralidad, who lives with his mother and siblings in Cotabato, also regularly makes charcoal which he sells for 350 per sack. He is the eldest of three kids.
“Everything that he does, he does it on his own. No one taught him how to do charcoal and farming. It was simply a desire to help his family and not to become a liability,” added Dioso.
Someday soon, Moralidad dreams of becoming a businessman, something which he believes is achievable notwithstanding his situation.
“I have friends who accept and understand me. My family, they are the main reason why I continue to strive harder. I am not losing hope. To those who are like me, never lose hope,” said Moralidad.
