Two septuagenarians in Makati City were among the latest batch of graduates produced by the University of Makati and Fort Bonifacio High School, the city government announced on Tuesday.
Armando Buhay Albes, Sr., 78, graduated on April 17 with a degree in AB Political Science major in Local Government Administration from the city-run university, while 79-year-old Salvacion Flores Nacario graduated from junior high school last April 4.
Mayor Abigail Binay expressed her admiration and respect for “Tatay Albes” and “Nanay Sally,” both residents of Barangay West Rembo.
“I salute ‘Tatay Albes’ and ‘Nanay Sally’ for having defied all odds to achieve their dreams through sheer willpower and single-minded perseverance. Your struggles and subsequent success exemplify the priceless value of education. You have given people, particularly the youth, great motivation to be conscientious in their studies,” said Binay.
She added: “I am sure you have also made many young people realize the wisdom of making the most out of their youth to achieve their dreams.”
Albes finished his course under the Executive Program of UMak’s College of Governance and Public Policy, while Nacario finished junior high school under the Open High School Program of Fort Bonifacio High
Albes said his pursuit of education was driven by his personal ambition to finish school, as well as his love for the country. He also advised the youth to remain enthusiastic and persistent in their studies.
A native of Naga City, Camarines Sur, Albes was born on February 6, 1939. He is married to Violeta Albes, 71, a native of Legaspi, Albay. They are blessed with five children.
Albes was an employee of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for 25 years. His family have been residents of Makati for 14 years now.
On the other hand, Nanay Sally spent three years under the Alternative Learning System before she was endorsed to open high school.
Born on September 17, 1937, Nacario is the widow of a soldier. They had 10 ten children. She was in Grade 6 when she met her husband at a military school where they were both enrolled. They got married and started their own family, so she had to quit school to take care of her children.
“Rather than playing cards, mahjong or engaging in gossip, i’d rather study. It helps to add to my knowledge,” said Nanay Sally, a resident of Makati since 1952.
Nanay Sally’s father was also a soldier often deployed in different places. Thus, growing up, their family used to move from one place to another which made schooling also difficult for her.