Retired teacher shares knowledge to kids at a street in Manila

This 66-year-old retired teacher proves that learning never stops and can be done anywhere.

As seen on Mai Bermudez’s “24 Oras” report Wednesday, Delfin Angeles teaches children on the street in Sta. Ana, Manila, through his “Eskwelahang Munti” project.

From having only four students in March, “Teacher Delfin” now has 15 learners. Among the subjects he helps them learn are math, science, and English.

According to Delfin, he started the project when he noticed that kids stayed outdoors all day just to play.

“Madalas akong nasa kalye in a given day—nagdidilig, nagtatanim, naglilipat. Ang mga bata, they are playing the whole day. Kinikilala ko rin. ‘Anong pangalan mo? Anong grade ka na? Sa’n ka nag-aaral?’” he said.

“‘Grade 3 ako.’ ‘Eh di alam mo ito. Tanungin kita, ha. Add mo nga six plus seven,’” he added, recalling his conversations with children he met outside. “Merong mabilis sumagot, merong nakikita ko iyong fingers [nagbibilang].”

Delfin began teaching in Laguna in 1977 before working in Parañaque and at Philippine Science High School. He retired in 2021 but thought of ways to continue his profession—even outside the classroom.

In his years of teaching, Delfin said he had also earned a lot from his students.

“It’s from them na natutunan ko how to deal with them. Hindi naman pala ako dapat ang nasusunod palagi. Ang pagtuturo ay kung ano ang gusto at kailangan ng mga bata,” he said.

“Teaching is very challenging but it’s also very rewarding. Ang importante, sa tingin ko, iyong you love the children.” – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News