Brian Baran (second from left), together with his teammates and coach, pose with the representatives of the organizing committee during the 15th Philippine Robotics Olympiad held at SM North Edsa (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO).
A death of a father triggers profound grief, but this did not stop a son from pursuing his dream to represent the country in an international robotics competition.
It has been three years since a family bonding turned into a tragedy ending the life of Brian Baran’s OFW father, Salvador.
Brian’s mom, Joycee Baran, did not know what to do since Salvador was the breadwinner of the family. Upon the loss of her husband, Joycee is left with her two children Brian and Mary Rose Joyce.
“I don’t understand what happened. Since it was a family bonding, he went snorkeling, and suddenly, we saw him floating,” Joycee said in Cebuano.
Brian is currently a Grade 10 student of Science and Technology Education Center High School in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. He is also a scholar of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) under the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program for Dependents of Deceased OFWs.
Meanwhile, Brian’s mother sells snacks at a school canteen. Mrs. Baran is also relying on the P7,000 monthly pension to pay for her family’s bills.
Despite the hardships, Brian held his head up and continued to study well. During the first grading period for this school year, Brian was one of the top 10 students of his class. He also got an award last grading period for having a perfect attendance. Brian is also active in other school activities.
“Akong greatest inspiration kay ang akong pamilya. Akong dream kay dagko akong grades para makakuha ko’g nindot nga trabaho ug nindot nga sweldo para maka-help sa akong family (My greatest inspiration is my family. My dream is to get good grades for me to land a great job to help my family),” Brian said.
Last September 6–9, Brian and his teammates attended the 15th Philippine Robotics Olympiad held at SM North Edsa. Brian’s team bagged 5th place in the Robot Soccer Category and is qualified to represent the Philippines in the World Robot Olympiad on November 24–29 in New Delhi, India.
“Nalipay ko at first kay wala man mi nasulod sa elimination round bale wild card mi (I was happy because we got accepted as a wild card contender),” he said.
Moreover, Brian said that he felt pressured throughout the national competition because most teams were coming from different prestigious high schools in the country.
“I just want to thank everybody for everything. Words are definitely not enough,” he said.
Brian shared that his interest in robotics started after he was taught how to make a program. He said that he finds it fun to apply knowledge being taught in school.
Contrary to his favorite hobby, Brian wanted to pursue a degree in linguistics in college.
Brian said he thanked Owwa for helping him out financially.
“Nakatabang jud ang Owwa nako financially. Makapalit na ko’g books ug dili nako magsige’g panghulam (Owwa helped me financially. I can now buy books, and I would not borrow it anymore),” he said.
He also admitted that being an Owwa scholar helped him to study well and to maintain his grades.
Moreover, he encouraged his fellow students to work hard.
“Padayon lang sa pagpaningkamot, after sa kangitngit naa man jud nay light (Continue to work hard because there is light after darkness),” Brian said.