DESPITE her age, 54-year-old Demetria Bontilao is determined to complete her education.
Bontilao, who is enrolled in Grade 7, was among the hundreds of students who flocked to Tawason National High School in Mandaue City for the start of classes on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023.
In an interview with SunStar Cebu on Wednesday, Aug. 30, Bontilao said she is determined to finish high school, earn a diploma, and eventually start a career as a teacher.
She had long wished to be an educator, she said.
Bontilao, a native of Zamboanga del Sur, stopped going to school after both of her parents passed away when she was only 14 years old. She was in Grade 6 at the time.
“Igo nahuman ang school year sa Grade 6 wala gyud ko kapaso kay dili man mi ka-afford nga mopalit og black shoes og white t-shirt for graduation,” said Bontilao.
(I just completed sixth grade, but I was unable to attend the graduation rites because we could not afford to buy a pair of black shoes and a white t-shirt.)
She said that she kept her school card after she graduated in 1982 because this is one of the requirements for high school enrollment.
Pursuing her dream, however, took another pause when she started her own family and became a housewife.
However, these delays did not discourage her.
With her three children, Karen April, Jhonrey and Irene, now all working adults and professionals, she no longer needs to work to support them, and now has the opportunity to return to school.
Bontilao said two of her children finished their Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology degree in Southwestern University, while the third one graduated with a BS in Business Administration.
“Nalipay ko nga nakapadayon kos akong pag eskwela despite sa akong pangedaron. Gusto gyud ko makamao gikan sa mga teachers gyud ba, dili lang sa akong kaugalingong kahibalo,” said Bontilao.
(I’m happy that I can still pursue my education despite my age. I want to learn from the instructors rather than by myself).
Her husband, Reynaldo, a barangay tanod, is proud and supportive of her endeavor.
Bontilao enrolled immediately upon learning that their barangay would offer a night high school.
“Dugay na man na niyang gihandom nga maka eskwela siya. So, katung niingon siya nga mo eskwela siya, nalipay ra sad ko para maka tilaw pud siya ba kung unsay kinabuhi sa estudyante sa high school,” said Reynaldo.
(She has been wanting to return to school for a while. So when she announced that she would do so, I was delighted for her to experience what life is like for a high school student.)
He said he will continue to support his wife through college.
Jack Noel, a master teacher at Tawason National High School, warned Bontilao about being teased by her younger classmates because of her age, but this did not discourage her from achieving her goal.
Bontilao reportedly refused the offer to take the Alternative Learning System because she wanted to graduate without taking any shortcuts.
Noel added that Bontilao would serve as an inspiration to those who wished to continue their education, regardless of their age.
He assured those who desire education but lack opportunity that they will have it someday.
“Dili gyud nato ikaulaw ang atong edad. Kung ikaw ganahan mopadayun sa imong pag eskwela, kung gusto gyud ka makahuman bisan pag tigulang na, kung imong focus makahuman, makahuman gyud ka,” said Bontilao.
(We should not be ashamed of our age if we want to continue our education. If we really want to graduate, we can still do so even if we are older, as long as we put our minds to it.)