When there is light, there is hope.

A picture of a boy doing his homework by the roadside in the Philippines has gone viral after student Joyce Torrefranca posted the photo on her Facebook on June 23.

Since then, the picture has received more than 6,000 shares and 406 likes.

In the photo, the boy is seen sitting on the floor and doing his homework with the help of light illuminated from a McDonald's outlet.

British newspaper Daily Mail has identified him as nine-year-old Daniel Cabrera who studies at an elementary school in Mandaue City in Cebu.

There has been an outpouring of aid for Daniel from those who saw the heart-wrenching photo of him on the Internet.

He has received cash donations, school supplies, school uniforms, a reading lamp as well as a college scholarship, AFP reported.

His mother, Christina Espinosa told AFP: "We're overjoyed. I don't know what I will do with all of these blessings."

"Now, Daniel will not have to suffer just to finish his studies," said the 42-year-old, who works at a grocery store as well as a domestic helper.

Ms Torrefranca, who is a medical student at Cebu Doctors' University, told Philippine news network ABS-CBN that as a student herself, she was inspired by the boy and admired his dedication.

"It just hit me a lot, like, big time. I seldom go to coffee shops to study. And then this kid, he doesn't have anything but he has dedication to study."

Facebook user Giomen Probert Ladra Alayon commented: "This kid's perseverance in studying makes this picture such an inspiration. Despite the lack of personal space or inadequate lighting, still he chose to study. Keep it up, kid!"

ABS-CBN reported that Daniel parks himself near the fast food outlet every night as it is the only source of light near his temporary home. The family has no permanent home after their house was destroyed in a fire five years ago.

Daniel - together with his mother and two siblings - has been living at his mother's workplace.

His father died in 2013 from severe diarrhoea.

Ms Espinosa said her son dreams of becoming a policeman and has his eyes set on the future.

"He is a very studious and determined boy... He would insist on going to school even without his lunch money because I have no money to give," Ms Espinosa told AFP.

"He always tells me: 'Mama, I don't want to stay poor. I want to reach my dreams'," she said.

Daniel has also received more support from the local church and government social welfare office.

Violeta Cavada, the city's social welfare office chief, told AFP: "Our problem is how to manage all this financial assistance. He has become a symbol of poor slum boys in the city who can't study because they don't have electricity."

In a Facebook post on June 27, Ms Torrefranca wrote: "I didn't think that a simple photo can make a huge difference. Thank you guys for sharing the photo. With that, we were able to help Daniel in reaching his dreams. I hope Daniel's story will continue touching our hearts so that we will always be inspired and motivated in every situation we face in life."