Eight senior citizens in Taguig City have completed and graduated from elementary and secondary levels during the Alternative Learning System (ALS) graduation and completion rites at Taguig City University Auditorium over the weekend.
One of them was Cesar Londonio, a 63-year-old construction worker, who completed junior high school under the ALS program.
Despite his age, Londonio remains determined to continue his studies and pursue a future 2 or 4-year course. His wife and two children supported and encouraged him to fulfill his dream of finishing high school.
Lolo Cesar also considers it a blessing that while he was under the ALS program for a year, he was also promoted in his profession as a leadman.
Seventy-year old Liza Cruz finished elementary school. Being the eldest among her siblings was one of the reasons why she had to halt her studies when she was young.
As a single mother to three children, she also prioritized their studies over her own dreams. “Ang pangarap ko kasi sa kanila ay makatapos [sila] ng pag-aaral,” she said.
Lola Liza and Lolo Cesar were recognized and awarded during the ALS graduation and completion rites on Sept. 9.
The other senior citizens who finished the Elementary School and Junior High School were Shiarima Talusan (Maharlika Integrated School), Rosalinda Barbolino (Upper Bicutan Elementary School), Marianita Cea (Signal Village National High School), Luvisminda Fajardo (Tenement Elementary School), Ritchi Siscar (Kapitan Jose Cardones Integrated School), and Maria Luzviminda Selda (Multi-purpose Hall Barangay South Signal Village Community Learning Center).
Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano, who attended the graduation and completion rites, praised the eight senior citizens for their grit and determination.
“I am very proud that despite the different life stories of our people, they still wanted to get an education and graduate,” she said.
As a Transformative, Lively, and Caring City, the city government promised to continue to extend opportunities and help reach every “Taguigueño, regardless of their age, to achieve their dreams in life.”