A heartwarming tale of perseverance and determination has captured the attention of netizens as a 66-year-old tricycle driver successfully completed his elementary education under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.
Tatay Arturo Fernandez, a familiar face in the local community, earned praises and admiration from online users for his unwavering commitment to education despite the challenges he faced. Taking advantage of the ALS program, which provides flexible learning options for individuals who were not able to finish formal schooling, Tatay Arturo seized the opportunity to pursue his long-held dream of acquiring an elementary education.
Through the support of dedicated ALS educators and his determination, Tatay Arturo triumphed over the obstacles that stood in his way, proving that age is never a barrier to learning and achieving one’s goals.
Expressing his gratitude, Tatay Arturo said, “Napakalaking karangalan sa akin na makapagtapos ng elementarya. Hindi man ako bata, naniniwala akong may halaga pa rin ang edukasyon sa lahat ng edad.” (It’s a great honor for me to finish elementary education. Even though I am not young, I believe that education holds value at any age.)
Touched by his story, netizens flooded social media platforms with messages of support and admiration, commending Tatay Arturo’s determination to seek knowledge and better himself. Many expressed that his journey serves as an inspiration to others, proving that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams.
Despite reaching this significant milestone, Tatay Arturo’s thirst for learning remains unquenched. He expressed his desire to continue his education by enrolling in high school next and even exploring opportunities at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to acquire more skills and improve his chances of finding better job opportunities in the future.
The local government of Sablayan, along with various organizations and individuals, has taken notice of Tatay Arturo’s extraordinary determination. Many are now rallying to extend support, not only to fulfill his educational aspirations but also to honor his spirit and dedication.
