45-year-old ALS graduate fulfills promise to parents, gets college degree

If there’s one graduation story that deserves to go viral, it’s this.

45-year-old Jun Bello fulfilled his life-long promise to his now 70-year-old father and 68-year-old mother by getting his college degree three decades after he was forced to stop high school.

Bello graduated cum laude from the Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology (DOSCST) with a degree in secondary education. His major? Technology and Livelihood education—an appropriate degree for the times.

According to Bello, he was forced to abandon his schooling when his father had a stroke. “Walang wala kami kaya no choice,” he added.

Bello did not let that stop him, though. He took inspiration from his parents and how hard they worked to put him to third year high school. “Kaya sinabi ko sa sarili ko na gusto kong makita na guminhawa ang buhay ng aking mga magulang, lalo na sa kanilang pagtanda.”

In his post, Bello thanked his father and mother for their support and encouragement.

He also thanked Pastor Reynaldo Gitacay and his churchmates at the Magsaysay Baptist Church, his classmates and instructors at the Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology, as well as his Alternative Learning System (ALS) instructors.

When asked about where he would like to teach, Bello had one thing in mind. “Isa sa mga hangarin ko ang makapagturo din sa ALS na mga estudyante. Pero kung may chance at may magalok sa akin na school upang magturo, welcome po ako.”

Bello’s story may not sound new to most people, but his grit and determination serves as an inspiration to us all.

If anything, Bello’s case is living proof that the Department of Education’s ALS works. All it takes is someone with the determination to learn—like him.

Cheers to you, Jun Bello! May your story continue to inspire generations both young and old to pursue their dreams no matter the circumstance.