CUM LAUDE:
Janryl Judilla Tan (left), a tanod of Barangay Kalubihan, Cebu City, for four years now, fits his toga with the help of Barangay Captain Rex Millan. Tan will graduate cum laude from civil engineering at the University of Cebu.
JANRYL Judilla Tan did not only secure the residents in Barangay Kalubihan, Cebu City when he started working as one of its tanods, he also steered his future toward the economic path.
Tan will graduate cum laude from civil engineering at the University of Cebu on Wednesday, March 20. (Photo on Page 1)
“It did not cross my mind to quit,” he said. “The Latin honor is just a bonus. I really wanted to graduate because of my life’s struggles.” Tan arrived in Cebu from Barangay Lourdes, Alubijid, Misamis Oriental in 2014. His parents have separated.
His father Jerry, a lupong tagapamayapa member, had asked Kalubihan Barangay Captain Rex Millan to let him work as tanod.
Millan took in Tan, who was assigned in the night shift as he attended classes in the morning.
Despite being a scholar of the Commission on Higher Education (Ched), Tan’s grant of P15,000 per semester had not been enough because he often paid P19,000-P23,000 to UC.
Tan said his work as a tanod helped him in covering other expenses, including food. He received P2,500 from the barangay and P4,000 from the City Hall per month.
His first assignment was with the roving patrol team. Tan was later assigned to write reports and monitor the barangay’s closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
Whenever there was a lull during his duty, Tan would often read his books to prepare himself for the next day’s classes.
He felt glad that his family will be reunited during his graduation. Tan’s mother Nilda arrived in Cebu City from Misamis Oriental on Tuesday, March 19.
Tan said he will quit his job as a tanod so he can focus on his review for the civil engineering board examinations in November.
For his part, Millan supported Tan’s decision, saying he will help him achieve his dream. He advised Tan to stay grounded and to not forget his origins.
Tan promised to help Kalubihan after he passes the exams and find a job.
Meanwhile, City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention chief Garry Lao said he will suggest to Mayor Tomas Osmeña to hire Tan to become a member of the Mayor’s Management Team as the latter is a cum laude graduate.