A grieving mother from Quezon accepted the graduation award of her six-year-old son, who passed away from lymphoma just days before the ceremony. 

The emotional scene unfolded on May 29 at TamTam’s school in Guinayangan, where Jobilyn Igloso, carrying her son’s graduation photo, fulfilled his last wish by marching in his place.

Jobilyn, a single mother, had always supported her son TamTam, known for his cheerful personality and love of dancing. 

“Dati po pangarap n’yang maging sundalo pero noong nakilala n’ya ang isang doctor, nagbago na. Gusto niyang maging orthopedic surgeon [Before, his dream was to become a soldier, but after he met a doctor, it changed. He wanted to become an orthopedic surgeon],” Jobilyn told Frontline Pilipinas Weekend.

She recalled promising him they would save up for his medical studies.

TamTam’s health took a turn in April when he started limping. By mid-May, his fever spiked to 40-41°C, leading to his diagnosis of lymphoma, a type of cancer. 

On May 21, just days before his graduation, TamTam passed away.

Despite the tragedy, Jobilyn remained determined to honor her son’s memory. On the day of the graduation, emotions ran high as she walked to receive TamTam’s award. 

“Sinabihan ko ‘yung teacher, sabi ko, ‘Teacher, tatanggapin ko ‘yung award ni TamTam kasi nakapangako ako sa kanya [I told the teacher, I said, ‘Teacher, I will accept TamTam’s award because I promised him I would],” Jobilyn said, holding back tears.

TamTam had been excited about graduation day, often talking about it. His mother now cherishes the letters he left behind, filled with the simple words, “I love you,” the first ones he had learned to write.

Jobilyn’s love for her son remains strong. “Mahal na mahal ko po s’ya. Ang love ni mommy ay endless [ love him very much. Mommy’s love is endless],” she expressed. 

While the pain of losing a child is incomparable, Jobilyn channels her grief into helping others.

She is now organizing a blood donation drive in TamTam’s memory, hoping to support other children battling lymphoma. 

This act of advocacy aims to keep her son’s spirit alive and provide a ray of hope to other families facing similar struggles.

The story of Jobilyn and TamTam has touched many hearts, showing the depth of a mother’s love and the strength to turn personal loss into a mission to help others.