Septuagenarians proudly finish high school through ALS

By April 19, 2014News, People & Events

SAN CARLOS CITY—Two septuagenarians stood out among the 449 proud graduates of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) during their commencement rites Tuesday at the Mandapat Astrodome here.

One was a namesake of the President, 75-year old Benigno T. Aquino from Calasiao, and Francisca Velasquez, 71, from this city.

AQUINO

AQUINO

“I am very happy and excited,” Aquino said, who is fondly called Mang Ben.

A part-time commercial photographer, Mang Ben only reached second year in high school until he took and passed the high school equivalency examination under ALS in October last year.

He wants to continue his education by pursuing a vocational course related to media work at  the Technical Education Skills Development Authority.

“I want to be a press relations officer or a position related to media because my idol, the late Sen. Benigno Aquino (President Benigno Aquino III’s father) was with the media at the age of 17,” Mang Ben said.

Mang Ben is the father of five children, all graduates of different courses, and one of his granddaughters, Rachel Aquino, is also an ALS graduate.

TEACHER

Velasquez (or Bai Francing), meanwhile, from Barangay Guelew, is a catechist and wants to pursue a college degree related to Education through the Expanded Tertiary Education, Equivalency and Assessment Program (ETEEAP).

VELASQUEZ

VELASQUEZ

She said Dr. Delia Tamondong, education program supervisor of ALS here, is encouraging her citing her experience as a long-serving catechist that can help her achieve her goal.

Two other elderly catechists also graduated in ALS.

Velasquez has nine children, most of whom are college degree holders.

Mang Ben and Bai Francing gave their respective inspirational messages on stage before their fellow graduates.

Aside from the four senior citizens, eight inmates from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology also joined the march last week after passing the equivalency and accreditation tests.

Meanwhile, Dr. Donato Baldera, schools division superintendent here, lauded the ALS graduates for their determination to finish high school despite age, poverty or other hindrances in life.

“Whatever trials that came along their way, they still hurdled to finish high school. The diploma they would receive is the same as the diploma received by other students in formal education,” Baldera said.

Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr., the graduation speaker, said, “We know the difficulties you went through and it really took a lot of determination to reach your goal. But as they say, God gives everyone a second chance. All of us have a chance for a better future.”

The ALS is a ladderized, modular non-formal education program for out-of-school youths, non-readers, working Filipinos, senior citizens, and dropouts in elementary and secondary schools. –Tita Roces

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