Senior citizen, inmates graduate from alternative learning class

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By Joel Locsin / LBG (GMA News)

A senior citizen and eight inmates are among the latest additions to this year's batch of graduates, after completing an Alternative Learning System course in Pangasinan.

These were among a batch of 400 who took the accreditation and equivalency test in San Carlos City, GMA Dagupan's Alfie Tulagan reported.

With their achievement, they can now continue higher studies even if they did not formally finish elementary or high school.

One of the inmates, Marco, considers his marching in the graduation ceremony a source of pride, especially after studying hard behind bars.

He said he wants to take up further studies once he is released from jail, so he can lead a productive life.

"Pag nakalaya sila, pwede nilang magamit yun. Pwede nilang i-pursue yun. Tulong po natin yun sa mga inmate para hindi masayang ang oras nila," said Jail Officer 1 Maria Rhealyn Parayno.

Another of the graduates is senior citizen Ramon delos Santos, 61, the eldest in his batch.

"Ang maipapayo ko sa mga bata, huwag mahihiya sa pag-aaral. Maski mahirap ang buhay, magpursigi sa pag-aaral," he said.