Boy studying on Cebu sidewalk gets solar lamp

MANILA, Philippines - The photo of a nine-year-old boy studying on the street under the lights of a fast food establishment went viral on social media and caught the attention of a manufacturer and distributor of lighting systems and solar power packs in the country.

Richmond, Virginia-based Rumy Mohta, who was among around 200 participants of the recent 10th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT), took time out to visit Daniel Cabrera at his school in Mandaue, Cebu to donate solar study lamps for him and the other students in his school.

“Our stay in Cebu was extended due to bad weather. It turned out to be a blessing as Marj and I visited Daniel Cabrera at his school… His principal, Mrs. Alma Bardoquillo, and his teachers were very appreciative of our donation. This was one of the highlights of my trip to Cebu, a great and warm city with beautiful people,” Rumy said on his Facebook account.

Rumy, who is married to Filipina-American Marj, is principal director of Thrive Solar Energy Philippines. 

Cabrera reportedly received cash, school supplies and scholarship offer from several people and organizations after the photo showing him doing his homework on a wooden stool near a McDonald’s store was shared by over 7,000 Facebook users.

The ACGTDT is the flagship tourism project of the Philippine embassy and the consulates general in the United States. An annual activity since 2005, the tour has become a venue for Filipinos and Americans to explore trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines. 

After the basic program, participants who wish to see more of the country have several post-tour options to choose from.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. thanked Mohta for his donation.

“I sincerely thank Rumy for his thoughtfulness and generosity. I am certain that his gift of solar study lamps has inspired Daniel and the other children to continue working hard on their studies,” Cuisia said.