Grandma, 71, finishes high school

SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan, Philippines – A 71-year-old grandmother finally finished high school yesterday after she joined more than 300 graduates in this city who went back to school through the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

“I’m so excited and happy,” said Maria Mercedes Lavarias, from Barangay Libas.

Through the ALS, the mother of eight was given a module and would report to school once a week for her exams. She said she had perfect attendance.

Lavarias, or Bai Maria to her classmates, said she had a hard time with Math but enjoyed Science and English.

Lavarias, who has 17 grandchildren, told The STAR she is determined to pursue her studies and plans to take up a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in June through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).

Apart from busying herself with her studies, Lavarias is actively involved in church functions and teaches 22 children with disability as part of its social action program.

“I want to make it as my advocacy to take care of them,” she said. 

She said she was a consistent first honor from Grade 1 to first year, but she had not the chance to pursue her education due to poverty and her mother’s belief that a woman's place is at home.

She said one thing she learned about education is, “Learning is never too late. Be an inspiration to your children and grandchildren.”

Two other ALS graduates yesterday were inmates from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology here.