A 72-YEAR-OLD man graduated senior high school on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Daantabogon National High School, breaking stereotypes that age matters in education.
Carlos Saladaga, known as Tatay Carlos or “ALO,” took up General Academic Strand (GAS) under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) along with 44 others.
He is from Muabog, Tabogon, Cebu, father of one child and a grandfather of six.
Saladaga said that he received criticisms due to his age. But he did not let those words affect him because between them, he is the one who wants to achieve, firm in pursuing his studies despite having financial difficulties.
Inspirations
According to Saladaga, he was the only one among his friends who did not go to school.
"Sa una man gud, aduna ko'y mga barkada tapos sa among barkada ako ray wala ka eswela (I have peers before, and among them, I was the only one who didn't go to school)," he said.
"Og usa sad naka realize ko nga sa akong pag panarbaho mas nindot og nakuy ineskwelahan (One thing I also realized while working is that it would have been better if I had access to education)," he added.
Lymar Cueva, Saladaga’s former ALS teacher in junior high school, said Tatay Carlos is a hardworking learner.
"Usa siya ka kugihan nga learner ma’am. Eager gyud siya always nga makakat-on ug mapun-an ang iya mga nakat-onan. Active gyud siya always sa amoang mga class activities. Ug naa siyay gikalibugan sa among discussions, dili gyud na siya magpanuko og pangutana nako," he said.
(He is a hardworking learner, always eager to learn and expand his knowledge. He is always active during our class activities, and if he has any confusion about our discussions, he never hesitates to ask me.)
Cueva also highlighted an experience with Saladaga when he asked Tatay Carlos why he goes to school despite his age.
He said Saladaga replied that he wanted to be a good example, showing them that education is for everyone, regardless of age.
"Gusto nako nga makita sa mga kabatan-onan karon nga dili ulahi ang tanan sa pagskwela. Niskwela man gani ko nga tigulang na, sila pa kaha nga mga bata pa, ug pwede pa gyud nila magamit ang ilang gi-eskwelahan para sa ilang mga umaabot nga ugma," said Saladaga.
(I want the youth to see that it is never too late to educate ourselves. I even went to school even if I am old. The teens are even more capable because they are still young and can still work. Also they can use whatever they learned at school for their future.)
Future plans
Saladaga aspires to become an agriculturist.
"Gusto ko nga makatabang sa mga heroes of the land sama kanako mahiligon kaayo sa pananom ug organic ang mga pamaagi," Saladaga said.
(I want to help the heroes of the land who like me love organic farming.)
He also said that while studying as a senior high school student, he was also planting crops.
Now that he finished senior high school, he wants to immediately proceed to college. But he noted that it will still depend on their financial capacity.
Saladaga’s advice to those who stopped and did not return to school: "Kon unsa may goal nila sa ilang kinabuhi ipapadayon nila ang pagtu-on. Pag antusan gyud."
(Whatever goal they have in life, they should continue to study. They have to endure it.) (GK Marie Dejacto, CNU Intern)