Past 50 years old among 277 ALS graduates in Balanga

 BALANGA City, Bataan- Two Hundred Seventy-Seven out-of-school youth and some more than 50 years old graduated from the Alternative Learning System in simple ceremony at the Balanga City Elementary School Thursday.

City ALS supervisor Ernesto Robels presented  nine in elementary and 268 in the secondary level as candidates for graduation after passing  the Accreditation and Equivalency Test of ALS.

The students completed the ALS requirements after attending classes every Mondays and Wednesdays from January to October this year. The graduates came from 25 barangays in Balanga City.

Acting city schools Supt. Reynaldo Pozon of the Department of Education approved the graduation of 277 students, entitling nine to enroll in first year high school and 268 in college courses.

Felixberto  Mabucay, 54 and Antonio Asilo, 64, were two of the graduates. In toga, the two marched with other students and  received their certificates from school and city officials. They were accompanied by their respective wife.

Asilo, a village councilman from Cabog-Cabog in Balanga City, said as a young man he dreamt of finishing his studies but was not able to because of poverty. He said he was out of school for more than 50 years.

“Natupad ang pangarap ko dahil sa ALS,” the barangay kagawad said.

Asilo said he decided to pursue his studies to be able to perform his duties as councilman well. “Isa pa, kung mawala man ako sa daigdig, wala akong kayamanang maipapamana sa aking mga anak kundi ang masabing kahit kaunti ay may pinag-aralan ang kanilang ama.”

The village councilman values education. Four of his six children have already finished college.

City administrator Rodolfo de Mesa and City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III attended the ceremony. They both advised the graduates that age is not a hindrance to success and asked them not to stop but continue with their dreams. 

The graduation ceremony has for the theme “Hindi Matitinag ang Pusong Pilipino”.