ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Fifty-seven-year old tricycle driver Diego Saavedra had to drop out of secondary school to start a family at an early age.
He also had to put on hold his dreams of continuing his studies to look after the education of his two daughters.
Last Wednesday, however, Saavedra graduated along with 3,000 others from the Zamboanga City National High School's alternative secondary learning program.
Saavedra, who aspires to complete a vocational course, said he stopped his studies when he was still in 2nd year high school at the then Zamboanga School of Arts and Trade and got married at the early age.
Saavedra said plans to continue schooling had to be shelved as he labored and ensured his two daughters have completed their education, graduating as a teacher and an accountant.
With his children's prodding and financial support, Saavedra decided to finish his secondary course taking the special class at night while driving during the day.
“It’s about time that I have to finish my high school,†Saavedra said in his Chavacano dialect.
Saavedra, the oldest student during the high school graduation rites, walked up the stage with his daughter Liezel Saavedra Esona, who is now a teacher of the same school.
“We’re happy that Papang finished his high school and he can now pursue whatever course he wants. This is our way to repay him on how he endured to raise us to become professionals,†Esona said.
Saavedra said he wished to pursue a vocational course and wanted to become an engine mechanic technician.