Despite his height, a three-foot tall 12-year-old boy named Jedidiah Cargamento was recognized by Las Piñas Vice Mayor April Aguilar for his perseverance to pursue his studies. Aguilar attended the moving up ceremony in Daniel Fajardo Elementary School in Las Piñas City last July 16, where she saw and congratulated Jedidiah for finishing the sixth grade. Aguilar said Jedidiah's perseverance is a true testament to his determination to pursue his dreams, which proves that size does not define success. Jedidiah will move up to the seventh grade this coming school year at the Las Piñas National High School. Photo from Las Piñas PIO
Rogelio, the boy’s father who is also of small stature and works at a bar and entertainment restaurant in Makati City with his wife, told Manila Bulletin that his son wanted to stop his studies during his early years in school. He noted that Jedidiah was bullied by some of his classmates because of his height. However, Jedidiah persevered and excelled in his classes from kindergarten to the fourth grade, making him a consistent honor student. Rogelio added that his son is very friendly to his classmates and he did not encounter any problems while he was in the sixth grade. He faced many obstacles, one of which was that his sixth grade classroom was located on the third floor of the school building. His classmates helped him by carrying his bags and accompanying him up the stairs to his room. Now that he is entering the seventh grade, Rogelio and his wife have talked and coordinated with the teachers to assign their son to a classroom on the lower grounds of the school. Jedidiah is dreaming of becoming a good and known chef, inspired by his mother and grandmother who were both good cooks, his father shared. Rogelio said he is confident that his son will pursue his dreams, finish his studies and become a known chef someday.