THE water vendor who is popular among netizens, as well as commuters and motorists passing by A. Soriano St. in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, obtained his college diploma Wednesday, March 15.

Jaykummer "Dodoy" Teberio, 21, was among those who graduated from the University of Cebu (UC) Wednesday. He took up Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education major in Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health.

In an interview with SunStar Philippines, Teberio said he is "super happy" that he was able to finish college despite all the challenges that he and his family have encountered.

Dodoy also received a medal of recognition for representing UC's self-supporting students and for his hard work, proving that poverty is not the hindrance to success.

Teberio's mom, Flor, could not contain her tears upon seeing her son receiving his diploma Wednesday.

"Ni-graduate na gyud ang akong anak. Happy gyud kaayo ko. Wa gyuy kabutangan sa akong kalipay. Nakahuman na gyud ko sa akong anak sa among paningkamot nga makahuman gyud ang akong anak. Proud na proud gyud kaayo ko sa akong anak (My son finally graduated. I'm very happy. My son finally finished college because of our hard work. I'm very proud of my son)," she said.

Teberio has been selling water on the streets since he was 12 years old to help his parents pay for his studies.

“I’m very thankful. Despite all the challenges I had to overcome, I will soon reap the fruits of my labor,” he told SunStar Cebu in an earlier interview.

Asked Wednesday about his message to those who also want to finish college, Teberio said: "Never give up. Magpray lang gyud ta sa Ginoo kay naa man gyud Siya mutabang nato. Hindi nya tayo pababayaan (Always pray to God, as He is always ready to help us. He will never abandon us)... Fight, fight, fight."

Teberio plans to work for a private school after passing the teachers board exam. (LMY/SunStar Philippines)