Jose Gaitan Gandecela, 90, has finally completed his lifelong dream on November 17 when he walked across the stage to accept his high school diploma.
The 90-year-old man from Nueva Valencia, Guimaras told Inquirer that his studies were stalled by World War II. His wanting to fulfill the dream of getting a high school diploma, however, still lived on, but had taken the backseat for 77 years for various reasons; one of which was sending all his seven children, who are now all professionals, to school.
Now, he stands as the oldest passer of the accreditation and equivalency (A&E) test under the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS). The program is given to those who cannot attend regular schools like the case of Tatay Jose.
Despite his age, Tatay Jose proved that he’s still sharp as a whip when he got a passing rate of 81.60.
With this new feather added on his cap, his success turned him into an instant celebrity in his hometown. They are proud of his achievement even at such an old age, with seven children and 17 grandchildren.
Tatay Jose dedicates his diploma to his wife Eca, who died of colon cancer. He told Inquirer that his wife was the one who encouraged her to enrol in ALS.
“She took good care of me. I am very sad, but I tell myself that she just went away for awhile and will come back. You realize someone’s true value when that person is gone. She would have enjoyed entertaining the people interviewing me [for my achievement]. She was that friendly. She would have been so proud of me,” Inquirer quoted him as saying.
Photo credit: Christine Karen Dulla Castilla/Philippine Daily Inquirer
