PTC Web Desk: Parents often go to extraordinary lengths to see their children succeed. But for Cesar Cahilig, celebrating his daughter’s graduation came with an unimaginable pain. In the Philippines, a father has moved people to tears after accepting his late daughter’s graduation diploma while carrying a life-size cutout of her on stage.

Cherilyn Cahilig had completed her Business Management degree at the University of Antique. She had been preparing to attend her graduation ceremony when she met with a road accident and died. 

Student dies in road mishap

Cherilyn died in a road accident just one month before her graduation ceremony. She had worked toward completing her degree and had hoped to personally walk across the stage to receive her diploma. However, her sudden death meant she could no longer be there for the moment she had worked so hard to achieve.

Her family and university community decided that her achievement should still be recognised.

University creates life-size graduation cutout

Teachers and friends at the University of Antique came up with a touching way to keep Cherilyn's presence alive during the graduation ceremony. They arranged a life-size cardboard cutout of Cherilyn wearing a graduation cap and gown.

The standee allowed her to symbolically take part in the ceremony despite her absence.

Father walks on stage with daughter’s cutout

During the graduation ceremony, Cherilyn's father, Cesar Cahilig, carried the life-size cutout of his daughter onto the stage. He accepted her diploma on her behalf.

Other members of the family also joined the emotional moment. They were seen carrying flowers and framed photographs of Cherilyn as the family gathered to honour her achievement. The scene left many people at the ceremony visibly emotional.

Emotional graduation photos go viral

Cherilyn could not be physically present to hear her name called or collect her degree herself. However, her family, friends and teachers ensured that her achievement received the recognition it deserved.

Photos and videos showing Cesar Cahilig receiving the diploma alongside his daughter's life-size cutout have since attracted widespread attention on social media.