Teacher Found Her Absent Student Selling Fish, and | TrendingAmerican

A teacher in Leyte, Philippines, helped spotlight why a frequently absent student wasn’t in class—because he was working at a fish market. The story aired Jan. 17, 2026, in GMA’s Good News, following Joel, a 17-year-old student at MacArthur National High School, and his teacher, Gwen. The report said Joel missed classes to support his family’s expenses, describing his mother’s laundry work and his father’s construction and fishing jobs. Gwen recorded him at the market so other teachers could better understand his situation, and the video spread online. The broadcast also reported scholarship support and improved attendance, including a school allowance arranged through senior high school, while noting the coverage period doesn’t confirm Joel’s current enrollment or graduation.