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Whether he has a day job, a business, is a stay-at-home dad, a biological dad, a step dad or an authority figure, a father does not have an easy role. He has to fulfill duties and responsibilities to support a family.

In the end, it all boils down to how well he can raise and care for his family. No matter how small or simple, a father’s effort to bring up a family is never one to be taken for granted.

Fathers’ Day, June 17, celebrates the person who works tirelessly as head of the family—the family being his topmost priority.

We asked some students, “What is the greatest thing your father did for you?”

The greatest thing my father gave me was his forgiveness. We never saw eye to eye. It was difficult, especially since he’s always out flying and even became an OFW (overseas Filipino worker) for a while.

Despite all the fights, I can still call him my buddy because I love him so much. If he can forgive a hard-headed son like me, what more can I ask from my Dad, who loves me so much and raised me to be the gentleman and warrior I am today? —David Bayang, third year, De La Salle University (DLSU)

He gave me a life that is worth absorbing the knowledge and wisdom he shared with me, as well as life that is worth loving, no matter what condition I’m in. —Cjae Galang, Grade 12, De La Salle Santiago Zobel

My father always has my back, especially when almost everyone at home despises me, including my grandfather. He listens to my rants, especially when it comes to family problems at home. And he also always supports me in everything I want to do. —Kyler Garcia, Grade 11, Statefields School Inc.

The greatest thing my Dad did for me was persistently making up for lost time whenever he comes back home from working abroad. —Ivy de Guzman, Grade 12, GCF

The greatest thing Papa did for me was to teach me to lead with passion and to strive for excellence at all times. He also said leadership is driven by the power that comes from within, and excellence can be achieved if you push yourself to your limits. —Dan Bajar, Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College of Las Piñas, Batch 2018

My father didn’t just tell me he loved me, he also proved it in his actions. He worked hard to provide for me, my Mom and my siblings not just with our needs, but also our wants. Though he is not a man of many words, he has proven that I can always count on him to be there for me. And he is undoubtedly one of the people I can’t imagine living without. —Alexandra Oropesa, Senior high school, DLSU

One of the greatest things my father did for me was teach me how to become confident enough to show my skills in front of people. He’s always proud of me even though I sometimes fail. Any circumstance I was in, he was there for me. His unconditional love and support give me courage to continue what I’ve started. —Hanej Gopez, Senior high school, DLSU

To me, everything he’s done is something I consider great. But the thing that stands out is my father’s constant effort to make me feel better. In the times I show up with a frown on my face or seem a bit down, he will shower me with encouragement and overwhelming support. He will never stop until I feel better.

So, to my father who supports me in every step and stumble of the path I take, thank you for always being there, pushing and supporting me with every bit of your strength. —Derek Magalong, Senior high school, DLSU

Growing up, I was blessed. Not lucky, but blessed. Why? It is because I have the greatest Dad anyone could ever ask for. Despite his being a doctor and having a busy schedule, he never fails to fulfill his duty as a father. At times, I would be mad at him, but in the end he would always be the one to fill my heart with love rather than hatred.

The greatest thing my father ever did was never giving up on me. He always supported me in the things I am passionate about. He always believes that I am capable of doing more. He taught me how to fish rather than give me fish.

I am blessed that I not only have someone to look up to, but also someone to actually laugh with and go on real adventures with. Happy Father’s Day to my father and to all great fathers out there! —Yna Marbibi, Senior high school, DLSU

The best thing my Dad has done and is still doing for me is teaching me that in life, you always have to push yourself and do your best, raise your standards high, and keep your feet on the ground. That life will not always be fair, so work hard enough so you can make life fair to you, and love to the fullest extent, unconditionally. —Meena Hermione Soliven Morales, Angeles City, Pampanga

My parents had me when they were 17, so I lived with my mom and her family. Growing up, my father figure was my lolo. When I was born, my lolo retired from work. He drove me to school, cooked our lunch, taught me how to read, write and count. In short, I was “lolo’s girl.” I’m very lucky that he’s my lolo because he’s smart and has done everything for our family.

Last year, he was diagnosed with stage 4 leukemia, and within a week, he passed away. This is our first Father’s Day without him, and it is also the day we put his ashes to rest. The greatest thing about him was that he was proud of me and what I did. —Pia Jarin, St. Scholastica’s College Manila

The greatest thing about my Dad is that he is the father of my family, the leading person, the hardworking one and the most loving one. He brings us to church every Saturday and treats us out to dinner. —Julian Reantaso, San Beda Alabang