Three senior citizens have accomplished their dreams of finishing their studies.

Under the Alternative Learning System (ALS), 82-year-old Mwusews Anthony Mari Diaz, who completed junior high school; 73-year-old Luvisminda Fajardo, who graduated from elementary; and 63-year-old Erlinda Dejumo, who completed high school.

They were among the 1,285 ALS students who graduated on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Taguig City University auditorium.

According to the Department of Education, “The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that provides opportunities for out-of-school youth and adult (OSYA) learners to develop basic and functional literacy skills, and to access equivalent pathways to complete basic education.”

"Anuman ang iyong edad, posible pa ring makatapos ng pag-aaral (No matter what your age is, it is still possible to finish studies)," said Mwusews, who completed his junior high school education. He was also recognized as the oldest ALS passer.

Mwusews said his age became a hurdle when he was studying as he found it hard to adapt to using modern technology but his teachers helped him.

Fajardo said there were times that she did not understand the modules being taught. She was helped by her teachers, children and grandchildren.

Dejumo, a registered masseuse and ukay-ukay vendor, said poverty prevented her from completing her students in the province. She found a chance in Taguig where the city government shoulders the educational expenses of students.

Mayor Lani Cayetano attended the ALS graduation and told the graduates, "Sana wag kayo tumigil sa araw na ito. Sapagkat kayo man ay grumaduate, simula pa lang ng journey ninyo sa buhay (I hope that you will not stop starting today. While you have graduated, this is only the start of your journey in life).”

The Taguig City 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.