“You are never too old to dream a new dream.”
This saying holds true for a 68-year-old man named Virgilio Pentacasi who recently enrolled in the senior high school program at Carlos Putong National High School in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
PHOTO CREDIT: ABS-CBN News
Lolo Virgilio is among the 1.5 million students who joined the first batch of Grade 11 students as the government implements the senior high school program for the first time in the country, reports ABS-CBN News.
The old man, who worked as a fisherman almost all his life, was not able to enroll in high school due to financial constraints. But in 2012, Lolo Virgilio did the unthinkable and enrolled in grade 7 in 2012 to pursue his dream of finishing his studies. Although he did it out of boredom, the senior citizen was able to graduate from junior high school this year.
Thanks to his 66-year-old younger brother who is giving him a P20 daily allowance, Lolo Virgilio is able to continue his studies.
For the technical-vocational track, Lolo Virgilio took cookery because he’s fond of cooking and is willing to learn more. “Super Lolo” revealed that he has inclination for Math but dislikes Araling Panlipunan and Filipino.
In the future, Lolo Virgilio, who values education and hard work, says he wants to go to college if someone will cover the cost. Although he is already old, Lolo Virgilio thinks he’s physically fit to study as he has no illness and does not take maintenance medicine.
What is Senior High School in the Philippines?
Covering the last two years of the K to 12 program, senior high school includes grade 11 and 12 wherein students go through a core curriculum and subjects under a track of their choice.
It covers 8 learning areas as part of its core curriculum and includes specific tracks based on academic, technical-vocational-livelihood, sports, as well as arts and design. Entrepreneurship courses will also be included under this program.
For more information about senior high school, visit DepEd.