Student brings pet carabao in Brigada Eskwela cleanup in Cagayan

TUGUEGARAO CITY — A three-year-old carabao and his student caretaker have become unlikely yet celebrated volunteers in the ongoing Brigada Eskwela activities in Lal-lo, Cagayan.

Officials of Bangag Elementary School commended incoming Grade 7 student John Michael Andres and his pet carabao, Gelo, for joining community volunteers preparing the school for the opening of classes on June 8.

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According to School Principal Lilia Tayanim, John Michael volunteered to plow the school’s garden with Gelo so it would be ready for vegetable planting when classes begin.

The pair joined police officers, barangay officials, teachers, parents, and fellow students participating in the annual school maintenance and preparation program.

Gelo has been John Michael’s companion since the boy was in Grade 3 and has helped the family with farm work. Even as a Grade 1 pupil, John Michael was already assisting his family by selling vegetables to his teachers, with the carabao helping transport the produce.

Teachers describe John Michael as an average student who is hardworking and always willing to lend a hand, whether at home or in school activities such as Brigada Eskwela.

Aside from attending school, the young student helps his family plant and harvest corn to augment household income, especially as the new school year approaches.

READ: Marcos to DepEd: Ensure smooth opening of classes on June 8

His teachers also noted his enthusiasm for learning, saying he improved his reading skills through singing along to videoke songs.

Despite his family’s financial challenges, John Michael dreams of becoming an agricultural technician someday so he can help farmers like his father./coa