Three senior citizens, led by an octogenarian, have earned their basic education on September 10 under the Taguig City localized Alternative Learning System (ALS) program.
Mwusews Anthony Mari Diaz, 82, Luvisminda Fajardo,73, and Erlinda Dejumo, 63 are best testament that no one is too old to go after what they want in life.
Diaz, Fajardo, and Dejumo were among the 1,285 ALS participants who graduated on September 10 with an elementary and secondary education in Taguig.
“Whatever your age is, it is still possible to finish your studies,” Mwusews, who was also recognized as the oldest ALS passer, said after officially completing his junior high school education.
Erlinda, who completed her high school education, and Luvisminda, who graduated from elementary, can’t agree more.
But the journey for the three elderly to get complete their basic education so late in life was not like a walk in the park.
The three senior citizens are thankful there are people around them, including the City of Taguig, who helped them overcome these hurdles.
Diaz noted that his old age became a barrier when he was studying especially when he had to adapt to using modern technology. But his teachers helped him every step of the way.
Fajardo, meanwhile, said there were instances she didn’t understand the modules being taught. Thanks to her teachers, children and grandchildren who have been so patient with her, she managed to comprehend the lessons.
Dejumo, a registered masseuse and ukay-ukay vendor, noted that it was poverty that prevented her from completing her studies in the province. But in Taguig, she said this barrier doesn’t exist because it is the local government which shoulders the educational expenses for all students.
Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano, who attended the ALS graduation and completion rites at the Taguig City University-Auditorium, hailed the ALS graduates for their grit and determination.
“Sana wag kayo tumigil sa araw na ito. Sapagkat kayo man ay grumaduate, simula pa lang ng journey ninyo sa buhay [Please don’t stop here. Even if you have already graduated, you are just starting with your journey in life],” she said.
Cayetano also announced that next year, funding for the city’s ALS project would increase.
The local government declared the formal launch of the ALS Senior High School program in Taguig Integrated School, which will give others the opportunity to continue their studies and achieve a higher level of education.
Under the current ALS program in Taguig, students undergo modular education and assessment instead of entering a typical public school to pursue their studies.
Dr. Daisy Mataac, education program supervisor in charge of ALS in the Division of Taguig and Pateros, said the Taguig government shoulders the honorarium given to ALS teachers and provides the funding for ALS-related materials and programs such as graduation rites.
“Some of our graduates are now professionals We have five teachers. They’re now employed in Taguig public schools,” she added.
The City of Taguig has always been putting a premium on the education of its citizens.
During her first term in office, Cayetano increased the budget for the Taguig Scholarship Program, from P5 million to P100 million.
The scholarship budget was increased yearly since then to give focus on more complex courses. In 2022, the budget for the scholarship program of the city reached a whopping P750 million.
She also established a more uniform system for the Early Childcare Development Program, which covers support for Basic Education.
Taguig has also been handing out 10 different scholarship types under the Lifeline Assistance for Neighbors in Need (LANI) Scholarship program to qualified college students, including those studying for the professional board exams.
In Taguig, students from science schools receive monthly allowances. Honor graduates receive incentives ranging from P2,500-P30,000.
In 2020, the City introduced a new scholarship program dubbed as the Advancing Sports Competitiveness and Excellence (ASC Excellence) Scholarship Program which caters to Taguigeño athletes and varsity players.