“Lumaki ako sa sakahan at payak na buhay, kung saan ko nakita ang mga magulang kong nagkakanda-sugat, kalyo, at dumi dahil sa bukid. From that moment, I knew mahirap lang kami. Kaya sinabi ko kay Mama, mag-aaral ako para magkapera. Pero mas humirap pa noong naghiwalay ang mga magulang ko. At the age of 13, lumipat kami ni Mama sa bayan at nangupahan. First-year high school ako noon, at sinabi niyang ipu-pursige niya akong patapusin sa pag-aaral.”

The weight of his struggles didn’t stop him from pursuing his dream of one day calling himself a veterinarian. He entered Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) and embraced the demanding world of CVM, where he became a fun-loving and active student. But life had another challenge in store, one that would change everything.

“It started one morning when I couldn't walk with my left foot because of moderate pain. I thought it was just a sprain, so I still managed to attend my classes and visit the campus library to review. But then, I noticed how the pain worsened whenever I walked up or down the stairs.”

“Three days in pain, until I couldn’t walk anymore. That's when I asked my classmates for help to visit the nearest hospital,” he shared.

Unbothered at first, he took the prescribed medicines, but no treatment eased the excruciating pain. Each pill was a fleeting hope, swallowed only to dissolve into silence, leaving the agony untouched.

As the pain persisted, he sought another doctor. More tests were conducted, yet no clear diagnosis emerged. “I continued taking the medications, yet my condition worsened until I had to stop mid-semester,” he added.

Mr. Agustin consulted nine different specialists, hoping for answers. Most suspected arthritis, but pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs failed. Finally, one doctor zeroed in on an autoimmune disease. After further tests, the diagnosis was confirmed. It’s a chronic, debilitating condition.

“My blood was sent to Makati City for an expensive test, and when the doctor confirmed that I had an autoimmune disease, we realized my mother’s family shared the same symptoms. It was in our medical history. However, my condition worsened until I developed pancytopenia due to unstoppable bleeding. I needed multiple bags of O+ blood and had to be reverse-isolated because I was immunocompromised.”

“At first, I lost the ability to walk. Then, it took my sight as it affected my eyes. Later, it also impacted my spine and blood, causing non-stop bleeding.”

Beyond his suffering, Mr. Agustin and his family faced hospital discrimination. “We didn’t look like we had money. I remember one hospital rejecting us, even after my mother agreed to pay PHP 2,000 daily for a private room. True, we didn’t have much, but when someone you love is fighting for survival, won’t you fight for them too? That’s what my mother did. She pleaded, but they turned us away because we ‘didn’t look like we could afford it.’”

“With unbreakable courage, my mother stayed beside me until we found a hospital that admitted me without a down payment. I was treated, but she had to shoulder a PHP 300,000 bill for just eight days.”

As he regained strength, he prayed for guidance. “While riding my motorcycle through heavy traffic, wearing my black-tinted helmet, I saw a former DVM classmate, then a graduate. At that moment, I knew God had answered my questions. He wanted me to pursue DVM.”

A year later, Mr. Agustin resumed his studies and ran for student council chairperson. “As CVM’s student council head, I proved that no illness could stop me from becoming both a leader and a student. I’m proud that we were named the best student organization in the University (2019-2020).”

Mr. Agustin expressed eternal gratitude to his loved ones, partner, and CVM family whose support kept him fighting. “It’s okay to pause but never quit. It’s okay to lose determination but take it back.”

This 6 June, Mr. Agustin will celebrate simply, surrounded by those who stood by him during happy and difficult moments.

A fighter who conquered adversity with unshakable grit, he faced unbearable pain, financial hardships, and a healthcare system that failed him repeatedly. Yet, he will walk the stage with pride and renewed hope.

Padayon, TAUian! Your TAU Family is incredibly proud of you!

#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #SDG1 #SDG4 #SDG10 #SDG17

Article | Information Unit
Photos | Information Unit and Liujay E. Agustin