26/03/2026
“From Piggery to Pride: 55-Year-Old ALS SHS Learner in Dasmariñas Graduates Senior High School”
By Madelaine Villavicencio
DASMARIÑAS CITY, CAVITE— At 55, when most people are focused on sustaining their livelihood, Teresa De Guzman, a resident of Salawag, chose to chase a long-held dream: finishing her education.
A dedicated piggery owner, Teresa has spent years managing her small business, waking up early each day to tend to her livestock and ensure her family’s needs are met. Despite the demands of running a livelihood, she remained determined to complete her studies.
Teresa shared that she had to stop schooling at a young age due to financial difficulties. Life led her to entrepreneurship, where she eventually established her piggery business. While she found success in supporting her daughter, the dream of earning a diploma never left her.
That dream became a reality when she enrolled in the Alternative Learning System Senior High School (ALS SHS) program at Paliparan III Senior High School. Through the flexible learning opportunities provided by the Department of Education, Teresa was able to balance her responsibilities as a business owner and a student.
Her daily routine reflected remarkable perseverance:managing her piggery in the early hours, attending ALS learning sessions, and studying whenever time allowed. The journey was not easy, but her determination never wavered.
Her commitment paid off as she proudly graduated with honors and a Cookery NC2 Passer from ALS SHS, standing as a symbol of resilience and lifelong learning. Her teachers recognized her as a hardworking and disciplined learner—qualities that mirrored her dedication as an entrepreneur.
Teresa hopes her story will inspire other adult learners, especially those who believe that age, work, or responsibilities are barriers to education.
Her journey—from tending a piggery in Salawag to earning her Senior High School diploma at Paliparan III SHS—proves one powerful truth: "It is never too late to learn and succeed."
