Luz Baldonado, a 65-year-old resident of Alangalang, Leyte, and unlike many of her peers, is not content with sitting on her rocking chair. She is driven by a thirst for knowledge and a spirit of adventure and is pursuing a less-traveled path.

Even though she is already in the retirement stage, she doesn't have a traditional retirement plan or a senior citizen's card. Instead, she has a national certificate from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which she earned through sheer determination and resilience.

Baldonado is one of the 2,000 scholars who recently completed their scholarship in Rice Machinery Operations (RMO) NC II. She proudly marched alongside her fellow graduates during the first Regional Mass Graduation Ceremony. During the ceremony, they also received starter kit tools and a cash allowance of P10,000 each.

Her adventurous and curious attributes as a barangay health worker (BHW) contributed significantly to her feat in TESDA. Thus, she enrolled in RMO NC II despite being unfamiliar with the skills training program.

“Han BHW ako, diri gihap ako nahadlok nga nakadto kami iba-iba nga lugar nga di ako maaram, asya han pag-enroll ko hin RMO waray gihap ako mahadlok bisan lagas na ako para han akon trabaho,” she said.

(When I was working as a BHW, I was also not afraid when we went to different places that I didn’t know; that is why when I enrolled in RMO, I was not scared as well, even though I am too old for this work.)

She actively participated in various agricultural tasks, including crop establishment, crop care, drying, and milling. She even operated large-scale machinery, such as tractors and harvesters, with ease that belied her age.

After completing the training regulations and prescribed competencies, Baldonado passionately and dedicatedly shared her knowledge and skills in RMO NC II, passing on her expertise to her children.

“Gintutduan ko gihap an akon mga anak han ak hibaro tapos ginpapasulod ko gihap na hira hin sugad hini nga trabaho, yana nagtatrabaho hira pag-operate han cement machine,” she added.

(I also taught my learnings to my children, and I encouraged them to work like mine. Now, they are operators of cement machines.)

Baldonado and other TESDA scholars, like Lilia Lopera, a 76-year-old graduate of Landscaping Installation and Maintenance (Softscape) NC II, are still given a lifetime opportunity to use the skills and knowledge they have gained in their future employment if they continue to drive their curiosity and excitement about exploring new things.

“Nagpapasalamat ako ha TESDA nga ginpabulig ako hin sugad hini, nga nahabaro ako pag-operate hin harvester, nga bisan makulba, baga excited ako pag iniintrahan,” Baldonado expressed.

(I thank TESDA for enrolling me in this. I learned how to operate a harvester, and even though I was anxious, I was a bit excited to join.)

When asked about her plans after graduation, she excitedly shared that she plans to enroll in other vocational training courses, such as organic farming.

Indeed, age is not a barrier but a catalyst for transformation. Her journey highlights the significance of lifelong learning, demonstrating that individuals can achieve anything they set their minds to with passion and perseverance. As she continues to navigate her path, it serves as a reminder that pursuing knowledge is a never-ending journey, offering infinite growth opportunities. (AAC with reports from PIA Intern Meraflor Pecore)