Age is just a number for a 70-year-old man from Appari, Cagayan who is set to graduate from senior high school on May 30, 2024.

Hilaro Jibanes said he returned to school to prove that it is never too late to learn.

He was not able to pursue his studies like other people due to life’s challenges but was offered the opportunity to study under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) at Aparri East National High School.

“Tuwang tuwa talaga ako kay tatay kasi kapag ka-enroll niya, gusto niya kaagad-agad papasok na siya, makikita mo talaga yung determinasyon niya,” Vina Victoria Abadilla, an ALS teacher, said.

Jabines said he faced bullying from some people while juggling his studies and providing for his family. 

Despite this, he persevered and chose to study Agri-Fishery Arts – Food and Fish Processing.

“Kahit naka-sapatos ako na galing sa school, bitbit ko ang balde na puno ng pagkain ng baboy, pero sabi ko sa kanila [na] huwag kayong mang bu-bully, huwag kayong manghuhusga dahil ang ginagawa ko [ay] para sa pamilya ko,” Jabines said.

Jabines has five children who are now professionals, and one of them encouraged him to pursue education again and be an example to his grandchildren.

While admitting it is challenging to keep up with the current generation and modernization, Jabines believes education is essential for personal development.

“Dahil kung hindi nila ipagpatuloy yan, paano nila sasabihin sa kanilang mga anak na, ‘ipagpatuloy ninyo, mga anak, ang inyong pag-aaral’ kung sila mismo ay wala silang ginagawa para umunlad ang kanilang sarili,” Jabines said.

Jabines plans to enroll in college to prove further that age is not a hindrance to achieving one’s dreams.