Arsenio and Monica Florentino, the elderly couple who graduated elementary school through the Alternative Learning System, are proof that age is never a hindrance to pursuing education, says Pavia Councilor JP Peñol.
Arsenio Florentino, 87, and his wife Monica, 78, were among those who graduated via the ALS on September 27. The graduates mainly consisted of out-of-school youths and those who could not continue their studies. "Mabuhay kayo, Tatay Arsenio at Nanay Monica! Kayo ang patunay na hindi hadlang ang edad upang makapagtapos sa pag-aaral basta magpursigi at may dedikasyon"Access to free education can level the playing field especially for the disadvantaged. Giving them the chance to go to school will open more and better opportunities for them in the future and provide the chance for them to escape the cycle of poverty," he added.
Gatchalian, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, authored and sponsored the Republic Act 11510 or the Alternative Learning System Act, which would expand the ALS program to provide more opportunities for out-of-school children and adult learners.