Hesus Cervantes carries his 16-year-old daughter on his back to bring her to school.

Strength does come from the heart for a 63-year-old father who carries his 16-year-old daughter on his back to and from school every day.

For Hesus Cervantes of Bacolod City, age has never been an obstacle to give his ailing daughter a lift in reaching her dreams.

Every day, Hesus has to endure a kilometer walk and cross a river while carrying his youngest daughter, Lyka, who has been diagnosed with a heart ailment, on his back just to get to school.

Hesus Cervantes carries his 16-year-old daughter on his back to bring her to school.

Hesus failed to finish high school, which is why he dreams of fulfilling his daughter's goal to graduate in college.

"She really wanted to go to school ever since. I told them to strive hard. We are poor but we will find ways for her to continue her studies," Hesus said in local dialect.

Lyka is studying at Fr. Gratian Murray, AFSC Integrated School.

Though both are physically weak, they continue to draw strength from each other.

Lyka said she is thankful for her parents' sacrifices, which is why she is focused on studying and finishing her education to help her family.

"I am thankful for my parents though we are poor. I will really study hard to have work," she said in the local dialect.