At 53, when many anticipate retirement, Rowena Taboso donned her graduation gown for the first time, walking across the stage to complete a long-deferred chapter of her life.
Rowena, a mother of two from Suhi village in Tacloban City, was among the hundreds graduating this year from the Alternative Learning System Senior High School Program (ALS SHS) of Northern Tacloban City National High School.
As the oldest graduate in her class, Rowena’s achievement was met with cheers from her husband and two children. Graduating with high honors, she also received a college scholarship offer. Her graduation marked the culmination of a 29-year journey back to education.
Growing up in a small village far from the city’s center, Rowena’s education often took a backseat to family responsibilities, a common experience for young women in her community. Marriage and raising her children further postponed her academic pursuits.
However, two years ago, an opportunity arose through the ALS-SHS program, a Department of Education (DepEd) initiative providing a pathway for individuals to complete senior high school through the alternative learning system.
With her children grown, Rowena seized the chance.
“I wanted to be an example to my children that education is still the best key to a better life. I wanted them to take inspiration from what I can do, going back to school despite being at this age,” Rowena said.
The ALS SHS program enables those who did not complete regular senior high school to acquire the necessary qualifications and skills for higher education, technical-vocational training or employment.
Rowena shares her story as a powerful reminder that education knows no age limit and that it is never too late to finish what one started. (ACR/PIA Leyte)
