Al Manuel B. Assisor

Age: 8 years old
Birthday: November 22, 2016
Address:  Capiñahan, Bais City
Grade Level: Grade 3
Disability: Vision Impairment & Cognitive Deficits
Al Manuel B. Assisor is an 8-year-old Grade 3 student from Capiñahan, Bais City. Born on November 22, 2016, Al Manuel is a cheerful and expressive child who lives with his loving parents in a modest seaside home. His father, Alger, works as a pedicab driver earning around ₱2,000 per week (about $34), while his mother, Esmeralda, is a government clerk earning ₱20,000 per month (about $340). Despite their combined efforts, the family often struggles to balance daily expenses with the medical costs required for Al Manuel’s condition.

At a very young age, Al Manuel underwent surgery that removed the lenses in his eyes. Today, he continues to live with severe glaucoma—90% impairment in his right eye and 40% in his left—which requires regular medication and eyeglass replacements every six months. He has also been diagnosed with ADHD and experiences delays in cognitive development, making his learning journey more challenging. Despite these struggles, Al Manuel remains eager to attend school daily, where English is his favorite subject. His teachers often provide one-on-one lessons to help him cope, and his parents actively support him by preparing meals for school and ensuring he attends classes consistently.

Outside of academics, Al Manuel is a creative child who enjoys drawing and singing, though he lacks the confidence to showcase his talents widely. He is friendly with his peers, playful with his cousins, and finds joy in simple family and community activities. Although his condition requires special care—such as assistance in eating and personal routines—he continues to show resilience, curiosity, and determination. With the right support, Al Manuel hopes to overcome his challenges and pursue his dream of becoming a doctor, inspired by his own medical journey and his desire to help others.