ILOILO CITY -- In her 20-year teaching experience, Gean Alido Florentino of Alimodian town, Iloilo province has come full circle as she became teacher to her elderly parents, who both recently finished their elementary education via the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program of the Department of Education (DepEd).

“Ga tudlo ko gani sa iban pero nalimtan ko akon ginikanan. Sang nagligad lang nga tuig ako naka reflect kag nadumduman nga dapat ko buligan ginikanan ko sa ila handom maka tapos eskwela (I can teach others, but I forgot about my parents. It was only last year I was able to reflect and remember that I have to help my parents fulfill their dream to finish their education),” said the 44-year-old teacher of Sulong Elementary School.

Last Sept. 27, her 87-year-old father Arsenio and 78-year-old mother Monica wore white togas and caps during the ALS graduation ceremony.

Both Gean’s father and mother only went to school until Grade 3.

“My father was a farmer while my mother just stayed at home to take care of us,” Gean told Manila Bulletin in a phone interview.

The sixth out of the eight siblings, Gean did not initially inform her siblings that their parents were studying under the ALS program.

“They were very surprised. They’re happy,” Gean said.

Gean shared how her parents overcame the learning obstacles.

Arsenio and Monica found English and Math subjects to be tough.

“My mother complained a lot, but my father was very open,” Gean said.

A teacher under the ALS program since 2014, Gean said that friends and family of the elderly should convince them to go back to school.

“You’re never too old to learn,” Gean said.

As for the ALS teachers, Gean said that they must extend their patience in dealing with the elderly.