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$\"Photos$ Photos from PHINMA University of Pangasinan.

MANILA -- An 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

Living by the quote, "Learn as if you were to live forever," Benjamin S. Naoe, also called Tatay Ben, decided to pursue college at PHINMA University of Pangasinan, after decades of working abroad for his family.

When his wife died in 1985, he supported his six children alone. Three of them are also degree holders now.

Planted dreams

Naoe was raised by farmer parents who financed his studies from elementary to high school. He used to sell sugarcane to earn a daily allowance.

Even as a child, Naoe was aware of their status in life. He once dreamed of becoming a soldier when he was a kid; however, poverty forced him to choose another path.

“Sabi ng tatay ko, tutal gusto ko rin lang kumita, mabuti pa mag-aral ka ng mekaniko.” he said.

He pursued automotive mechanics for a year until he finished in 1961. Despite having no salary, he applied as an apprentice to gain experience for a better job someday.

‘Kailangan pa ba?’

Naoe was often asked, “Kailangan pa ba?” but he always answers them with pride. “Ang pag-aaral pananggalang ‘yan sa sarili… Kumbaga sa tag-ulan, magdadala ka ng payong o kapote… Kung nakapag-aral ka, hindi ka matatakot [kahit] saan ka mapunta.”

He took an accreditation and equivalency test in 2019 where he passed and got his high school diploma. He was 75 when he entered college.

“Nag-apply ako dito sa PHINMA… Binigay ko 'yung requirements tinanggap naman nila. Sabi bakit ka pa mag-aaral… sabi ko interesado po akong matuto eh. Gusto kong matuto, gusto kong madagdagan ang aking kaalaman,” Naoe said.

According to him, courses offered in Political Science made him more interested in taking the program, adding that the lessons about governance and law were his favorites.

“Ang sabi ko sa mga estudyante, pilitin niyong magtapos… Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon dahil nandidito ‘yan sa utak,” he said.

“Mag-ipon ka sa baul ng materyal na bagay… kakainin ng anay. Mag-ipon ka ng knowledge sa utak mo hindi mananakaw ‘yan… pwede mong i-share ‘yan,” he said.

Going beyond limits

When asked about his future plans, Naoe said, “Gusto kong mag-masters. Gusto ko sana [mag]-abogado… merong abogado rito... law courses, hindi naman kaya ng bulsa maski anong gawin ko.”

“Sasabihin ng iba, saan ko gagamitin. Walang problema d’yan… maishe-share ko ito sa mga nangangailangan kaysa matulog na lang ako,” he added.

As a farmer and a degree holder at the age of 81, he encouraged people his age to explore beyond limits.

“As long as he wants to work, as long as he can walk, let them work, di ba? Dapat may batas na ganoon,” he said.

“Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon… walang katumbas ang education. This is the only thing we can earn, we can have that nobody can take away from us,” he said.

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Benjamin S. Naoe, an 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan, graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

$\"Photos$ Photos from PHINMA University of Pangasinan.

MANILA -- An 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

When his wife died in 1985, he supported his six children alone. Three of them are also degree holders now.

Planted dreams

Naoe was raised by farmer parents who financed his studies from elementary to high school. He used to sell sugarcane to earn a daily allowance.

Even as a child, Naoe was aware of their status in life. He once dreamed of becoming a soldier when he was a kid; however, poverty forced him to choose another path.

“Sabi ng tatay ko, tutal gusto ko rin lang kumita, mabuti pa mag-aral ka ng mekaniko.” he said.

He pursued automotive mechanics for a year until he finished in 1961. Despite having no salary, he applied as an apprentice to gain experience for a better job someday.

‘Kailangan pa ba?’

He took an accreditation and equivalency test in 2019 where he passed and got his high school diploma. He was 75 when he entered college.

According to him, courses offered in Political Science made him more interested in taking the program, adding that the lessons about governance and law were his favorites.

“Ang sabi ko sa mga estudyante, pilitin niyong magtapos… Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon dahil nandidito ‘yan sa utak,” he said.

“Mag-ipon ka sa baul ng materyal na bagay… kakainin ng anay. Mag-ipon ka ng knowledge sa utak mo hindi mananakaw ‘yan… pwede mong i-share ‘yan,” he said.

Going beyond limits

When asked about his future plans, Naoe said, “Gusto kong mag-masters. Gusto ko sana [mag]-abogado… merong abogado rito... law courses, hindi naman kaya ng bulsa maski anong gawin ko.”

“Sasabihin ng iba, saan ko gagamitin. Walang problema d’yan… maishe-share ko ito sa mga nangangailangan kaysa matulog na lang ako,” he added.

As a farmer and a degree holder at the age of 81, he encouraged people his age to explore beyond limits.

“As long as he wants to work, as long as he can walk, let them work, di ba? Dapat may batas na ganoon,” he said.

“Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon… walang katumbas ang education. This is the only thing we can earn, we can have that nobody can take away from us,” he said.

Benjamin S. Naoe, an 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan, graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

$\"Photos$ Photos from PHINMA University of Pangasinan.

MANILA -- An 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

When his wife died in 1985, he supported his six children alone. Three of them are also degree holders now.

Planted dreams

Naoe was raised by farmer parents who financed his studies from elementary to high school. He used to sell sugarcane to earn a daily allowance.

Even as a child, Naoe was aware of their status in life. He once dreamed of becoming a soldier when he was a kid; however, poverty forced him to choose another path.

“Sabi ng tatay ko, tutal gusto ko rin lang kumita, mabuti pa mag-aral ka ng mekaniko.” he said.

He pursued automotive mechanics for a year until he finished in 1961. Despite having no salary, he applied as an apprentice to gain experience for a better job someday.

‘Kailangan pa ba?’

He took an accreditation and equivalency test in 2019 where he passed and got his high school diploma. He was 75 when he entered college.

According to him, courses offered in Political Science made him more interested in taking the program, adding that the lessons about governance and law were his favorites.

“Ang sabi ko sa mga estudyante, pilitin niyong magtapos… Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon dahil nandidito ‘yan sa utak,” he said.

“Mag-ipon ka sa baul ng materyal na bagay… kakainin ng anay. Mag-ipon ka ng knowledge sa utak mo hindi mananakaw ‘yan… pwede mong i-share ‘yan,” he said.

Going beyond limits

When asked about his future plans, Naoe said, “Gusto kong mag-masters. Gusto ko sana [mag]-abogado… merong abogado rito... law courses, hindi naman kaya ng bulsa maski anong gawin ko.”

“Sasabihin ng iba, saan ko gagamitin. Walang problema d’yan… maishe-share ko ito sa mga nangangailangan kaysa matulog na lang ako,” he added.

As a farmer and a degree holder at the age of 81, he encouraged people his age to explore beyond limits.

“As long as he wants to work, as long as he can walk, let them work, di ba? Dapat may batas na ganoon,” he said.

“Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon… walang katumbas ang education. This is the only thing we can earn, we can have that nobody can take away from us,” he said.

Benjamin S. Naoe, an 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan, graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

$\"Photos$ Photos from PHINMA University of Pangasinan.

MANILA -- An 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

When his wife died in 1985, he supported his six children alone. Three of them are also degree holders now.

Planted dreams

Naoe was raised by farmer parents who financed his studies from elementary to high school. He used to sell sugarcane to earn a daily allowance.

Even as a child, Naoe was aware of their status in life. He once dreamed of becoming a soldier when he was a kid; however, poverty forced him to choose another path.

“Sabi ng tatay ko, tutal gusto ko rin lang kumita, mabuti pa mag-aral ka ng mekaniko.” he said.

He pursued automotive mechanics for a year until he finished in 1961. Despite having no salary, he applied as an apprentice to gain experience for a better job someday.

‘Kailangan pa ba?’

He took an accreditation and equivalency test in 2019 where he passed and got his high school diploma. He was 75 when he entered college.

According to him, courses offered in Political Science made him more interested in taking the program, adding that the lessons about governance and law were his favorites.

“Ang sabi ko sa mga estudyante, pilitin niyong magtapos… Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon dahil nandidito ‘yan sa utak,” he said.

“Mag-ipon ka sa baul ng materyal na bagay… kakainin ng anay. Mag-ipon ka ng knowledge sa utak mo hindi mananakaw ‘yan… pwede mong i-share ‘yan,” he said.

Going beyond limits

When asked about his future plans, Naoe said, “Gusto kong mag-masters. Gusto ko sana [mag]-abogado… merong abogado rito... law courses, hindi naman kaya ng bulsa maski anong gawin ko.”

“Sasabihin ng iba, saan ko gagamitin. Walang problema d’yan… maishe-share ko ito sa mga nangangailangan kaysa matulog na lang ako,” he added.

As a farmer and a degree holder at the age of 81, he encouraged people his age to explore beyond limits.

“As long as he wants to work, as long as he can walk, let them work, di ba? Dapat may batas na ganoon,” he said.

“Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon… walang katumbas ang education. This is the only thing we can earn, we can have that nobody can take away from us,” he said.

Benjamin S. Naoe, an 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan, graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

$\"Photos$ Photos from PHINMA University of Pangasinan.

MANILA -- An 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

When his wife died in 1985, he supported his six children alone. Three of them are also degree holders now.

Planted dreams

Naoe was raised by farmer parents who financed his studies from elementary to high school. He used to sell sugarcane to earn a daily allowance.

Even as a child, Naoe was aware of their status in life. He once dreamed of becoming a soldier when he was a kid; however, poverty forced him to choose another path.

“Sabi ng tatay ko, tutal gusto ko rin lang kumita, mabuti pa mag-aral ka ng mekaniko.” he said.

He pursued automotive mechanics for a year until he finished in 1961. Despite having no salary, he applied as an apprentice to gain experience for a better job someday.

‘Kailangan pa ba?’

He took an accreditation and equivalency test in 2019 where he passed and got his high school diploma. He was 75 when he entered college.

According to him, courses offered in Political Science made him more interested in taking the program, adding that the lessons about governance and law were his favorites.

“Ang sabi ko sa mga estudyante, pilitin niyong magtapos… Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon dahil nandidito ‘yan sa utak,” he said.

“Mag-ipon ka sa baul ng materyal na bagay… kakainin ng anay. Mag-ipon ka ng knowledge sa utak mo hindi mananakaw ‘yan… pwede mong i-share ‘yan,” he said.

Going beyond limits

When asked about his future plans, Naoe said, “Gusto kong mag-masters. Gusto ko sana [mag]-abogado… merong abogado rito... law courses, hindi naman kaya ng bulsa maski anong gawin ko.”

“Sasabihin ng iba, saan ko gagamitin. Walang problema d’yan… maishe-share ko ito sa mga nangangailangan kaysa matulog na lang ako,” he added.

As a farmer and a degree holder at the age of 81, he encouraged people his age to explore beyond limits.

“As long as he wants to work, as long as he can walk, let them work, di ba? Dapat may batas na ganoon,” he said.

“Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon… walang katumbas ang education. This is the only thing we can earn, we can have that nobody can take away from us,” he said.

Benjamin S. Naoe, an 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan, graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

$\"Photos$ Photos from PHINMA University of Pangasinan.

MANILA -- An 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

When his wife died in 1985, he supported his six children alone. Three of them are also degree holders now.

Planted dreams

Naoe was raised by farmer parents who financed his studies from elementary to high school. He used to sell sugarcane to earn a daily allowance.

Even as a child, Naoe was aware of their status in life. He once dreamed of becoming a soldier when he was a kid; however, poverty forced him to choose another path.

“Sabi ng tatay ko, tutal gusto ko rin lang kumita, mabuti pa mag-aral ka ng mekaniko.” he said.

He pursued automotive mechanics for a year until he finished in 1961. Despite having no salary, he applied as an apprentice to gain experience for a better job someday.

‘Kailangan pa ba?’

He took an accreditation and equivalency test in 2019 where he passed and got his high school diploma. He was 75 when he entered college.

According to him, courses offered in Political Science made him more interested in taking the program, adding that the lessons about governance and law were his favorites.

“Ang sabi ko sa mga estudyante, pilitin niyong magtapos… Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon dahil nandidito ‘yan sa utak,” he said.

“Mag-ipon ka sa baul ng materyal na bagay… kakainin ng anay. Mag-ipon ka ng knowledge sa utak mo hindi mananakaw ‘yan… pwede mong i-share ‘yan,” he said.

Going beyond limits

When asked about his future plans, Naoe said, “Gusto kong mag-masters. Gusto ko sana [mag]-abogado… merong abogado rito... law courses, hindi naman kaya ng bulsa maski anong gawin ko.”

“Sasabihin ng iba, saan ko gagamitin. Walang problema d’yan… maishe-share ko ito sa mga nangangailangan kaysa matulog na lang ako,” he added.

As a farmer and a degree holder at the age of 81, he encouraged people his age to explore beyond limits.

“As long as he wants to work, as long as he can walk, let them work, di ba? Dapat may batas na ganoon,” he said.

“Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon… walang katumbas ang education. This is the only thing we can earn, we can have that nobody can take away from us,” he said.

Benjamin S. Naoe, an 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan, graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

$\"Photos$ Photos from PHINMA University of Pangasinan.

MANILA -- An 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

When his wife died in 1985, he supported his six children alone. Three of them are also degree holders now.

Planted dreams

Naoe was raised by farmer parents who financed his studies from elementary to high school. He used to sell sugarcane to earn a daily allowance.

Even as a child, Naoe was aware of their status in life. He once dreamed of becoming a soldier when he was a kid; however, poverty forced him to choose another path.

“Sabi ng tatay ko, tutal gusto ko rin lang kumita, mabuti pa mag-aral ka ng mekaniko.” he said.

He pursued automotive mechanics for a year until he finished in 1961. Despite having no salary, he applied as an apprentice to gain experience for a better job someday.

‘Kailangan pa ba?’

He took an accreditation and equivalency test in 2019 where he passed and got his high school diploma. He was 75 when he entered college.

According to him, courses offered in Political Science made him more interested in taking the program, adding that the lessons about governance and law were his favorites.

“Ang sabi ko sa mga estudyante, pilitin niyong magtapos… Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon dahil nandidito ‘yan sa utak,” he said.

“Mag-ipon ka sa baul ng materyal na bagay… kakainin ng anay. Mag-ipon ka ng knowledge sa utak mo hindi mananakaw ‘yan… pwede mong i-share ‘yan,” he said.

Going beyond limits

When asked about his future plans, Naoe said, “Gusto kong mag-masters. Gusto ko sana [mag]-abogado… merong abogado rito... law courses, hindi naman kaya ng bulsa maski anong gawin ko.”

“Sasabihin ng iba, saan ko gagamitin. Walang problema d’yan… maishe-share ko ito sa mga nangangailangan kaysa matulog na lang ako,” he added.

As a farmer and a degree holder at the age of 81, he encouraged people his age to explore beyond limits.

“As long as he wants to work, as long as he can walk, let them work, di ba? Dapat may batas na ganoon,” he said.

“Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon… walang katumbas ang education. This is the only thing we can earn, we can have that nobody can take away from us,” he said.

Benjamin S. Naoe, an 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan, graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

$\"Photos$ Photos from PHINMA University of Pangasinan.

MANILA -- An 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

When his wife died in 1985, he supported his six children alone. Three of them are also degree holders now.

Planted dreams

Naoe was raised by farmer parents who financed his studies from elementary to high school. He used to sell sugarcane to earn a daily allowance.

Even as a child, Naoe was aware of their status in life. He once dreamed of becoming a soldier when he was a kid; however, poverty forced him to choose another path.

“Sabi ng tatay ko, tutal gusto ko rin lang kumita, mabuti pa mag-aral ka ng mekaniko.” he said.

He pursued automotive mechanics for a year until he finished in 1961. Despite having no salary, he applied as an apprentice to gain experience for a better job someday.

‘Kailangan pa ba?’

He took an accreditation and equivalency test in 2019 where he passed and got his high school diploma. He was 75 when he entered college.

According to him, courses offered in Political Science made him more interested in taking the program, adding that the lessons about governance and law were his favorites.

“Ang sabi ko sa mga estudyante, pilitin niyong magtapos… Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon dahil nandidito ‘yan sa utak,” he said.

“Mag-ipon ka sa baul ng materyal na bagay… kakainin ng anay. Mag-ipon ka ng knowledge sa utak mo hindi mananakaw ‘yan… pwede mong i-share ‘yan,” he said.

Going beyond limits

When asked about his future plans, Naoe said, “Gusto kong mag-masters. Gusto ko sana [mag]-abogado… merong abogado rito... law courses, hindi naman kaya ng bulsa maski anong gawin ko.”

“Sasabihin ng iba, saan ko gagamitin. Walang problema d’yan… maishe-share ko ito sa mga nangangailangan kaysa matulog na lang ako,” he added.

As a farmer and a degree holder at the age of 81, he encouraged people his age to explore beyond limits.

“As long as he wants to work, as long as he can walk, let them work, di ba? Dapat may batas na ganoon,” he said.

“Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon… walang katumbas ang education. This is the only thing we can earn, we can have that nobody can take away from us,” he said.

Benjamin S. Naoe, an 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan, graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

$\"Photos$ Photos from PHINMA University of Pangasinan.

MANILA -- An 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

When his wife died in 1985, he supported his six children alone. Three of them are also degree holders now.

Planted dreams

Naoe was raised by farmer parents who financed his studies from elementary to high school. He used to sell sugarcane to earn a daily allowance.

Even as a child, Naoe was aware of their status in life. He once dreamed of becoming a soldier when he was a kid; however, poverty forced him to choose another path.

“Sabi ng tatay ko, tutal gusto ko rin lang kumita, mabuti pa mag-aral ka ng mekaniko.” he said.

He pursued automotive mechanics for a year until he finished in 1961. Despite having no salary, he applied as an apprentice to gain experience for a better job someday.

‘Kailangan pa ba?’

He took an accreditation and equivalency test in 2019 where he passed and got his high school diploma. He was 75 when he entered college.

According to him, courses offered in Political Science made him more interested in taking the program, adding that the lessons about governance and law were his favorites.

“Ang sabi ko sa mga estudyante, pilitin niyong magtapos… Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon dahil nandidito ‘yan sa utak,” he said.

“Mag-ipon ka sa baul ng materyal na bagay… kakainin ng anay. Mag-ipon ka ng knowledge sa utak mo hindi mananakaw ‘yan… pwede mong i-share ‘yan,” he said.

Going beyond limits

When asked about his future plans, Naoe said, “Gusto kong mag-masters. Gusto ko sana [mag]-abogado… merong abogado rito... law courses, hindi naman kaya ng bulsa maski anong gawin ko.”

“Sasabihin ng iba, saan ko gagamitin. Walang problema d’yan… maishe-share ko ito sa mga nangangailangan kaysa matulog na lang ako,” he added.

As a farmer and a degree holder at the age of 81, he encouraged people his age to explore beyond limits.

“As long as he wants to work, as long as he can walk, let them work, di ba? Dapat may batas na ganoon,” he said.

“Walang kasing halaga ang edukasyon… walang katumbas ang education. This is the only thing we can earn, we can have that nobody can take away from us,” he said.

Benjamin S. Naoe, an 81-year-old farmer from Pangasinan, graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, hoping to inspire others that learning has no limits.

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‘Learn as if you were to live forever’: 81-year-old farmer graduates from college

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‘Learn as if you were to live forever’: 81-year-old farmer graduates from college

ABS-CBN News Intern,

Judea C. Tagal

Published Jul 16, 2024 03:28 PM PHT

|

Updated Jul 17, 2024 04:24 PM PHT

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