Pajo Barangay Captain Junard Chan congratulates Soledad dela Cruz, the oldest student of her batch.
More than 700 students graduated from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in Lapu-Lapu City.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Hoops Dome last Tuesday. Soledad dela Cruz, a 67-year-old grandmother from Barangay Babag, was one of the 726 graduates, composed of 365 males and 361 females, who can now go directly to college.
Dela Cruz attended the ALS program during weekends. Although she was not sure if she could enroll in college, but she was happy to receive a high school diploma.
Dela Cruz has a son and a daughter and three grandchildren, whom she is taking care of when her daughter is at work.
“Nadasig ko pag-apil sa ALS dihang nahibalo ko nga dunay ingon ani nga programa, mao nga migahin gyud ko og panahon gikan sa January hangtud karong buwana (I was encouraged to join the ALS after knowing that there is a program like this. Thus, I spent time from January until this month),” Dela Cruz said.
She said she was hesitant to enroll in ALS at first because she was the oldest of all the students, but due to her courage and determination, she swallowed her pride just to be able to study.
In her speech, Mayor Paz Radaza congratulated the graduates and expressed happiness that several hundreds of them were still hopeful to pursue their studies and improve their lives.
“Sakto gyud nang inyong mga desisyon nga mopadayon sa paglambo sa kaugalingon para sa inyong kaugmaon. Manghinaut ko nga molampos kamo (You have made the right decision to continue develop yourselves for your future. I wish you success),” Radaza said.
All were happy and proud wearing their white toga during the graduation ceremony at Hoops Dome yesterday morning with their family and loved ones attending.