This is the heart-wrenching moment a grieving father took a life-size cardboard cutout of his dead son to the youngster's graduation ceremony.

Felipe Sanchez Jr, 50, was devastated when his son Mark, 22, unexpectedly died from a cardiac arrest in South Cotabato, the Philippines in early April.

His son had just finished his bachelor's degree in English language studies but the youngster's funeral came ahead of graduation.

The loving father, with the help of family members, thought of honouring the diligent student's memory by ‘attending' the graduation with his photo.

Heartbreaking footage shows father Felipe carrying the cardboard photo of his son as he made his way to the stage and receive the boy's diploma on May 28.

Onlooker Eduard Villanueva who attended the event for his cousin said: ‘It was such a sad moment for everyone. The teachers and the students were teary-eyed upon seeing the father walk up with the photo.

‘The graduates stood up from their seats when Mark's name was announced as a sign of respect to him and the family.'

Just days before he died, Mark was able to raise funds for his school's graduation ceremony.

In an online post, he said: ‘This year it is not the end of my journey as a student but it is a new chapter of my life to face new challenges.

‘Hence, as one of the graduating class of year 2022, I am knocking your kind hearts to solicit your generosity as one of my benefactors to address our financial needs in making our graduation into reality.'

Father Felipe stayed until the ceremony was done and reportedly offered a prayer with family members in Mark's grave.