A 52-year-old driver graduated from senior high school after years of juggling his studies, work and family.

Benjie Estillore studied in the morning and worked as a Transport Network Vehicle Service driver at night.

Estillore recently graduated with high honors at the Benigno Ninoy Aquino High School.

He was a product of the Alternative Learning System offered by the Makati City government before proceeding to senior high school.

Estillore said that he was inspired by his wife, a teacher at the Rizal Elementary School in Makati, to go back to school.

He thanked the city government for the benefits he has been receiving while studying in Makati.

“Unang-una, maraming salamat sa Makati government, kay Mayora Abby Binay.

Salamat po sa privilege na ipinagkaloob ninyo po sa akin. Libre lahat, libreng uniform, sapatos, medyas, school supplies. Meron din kaming food pack, at may jacket pa pati tumbler,” Estillore said.

“Sana pati ibang LGUs, gayahin ninyo po si Mayora. Dati noong wala pa ako sa Makati, naririnig ko, ‘Ganito kami sa Makati’, pero parang hindi ako naniniwala. Ngayon, napatunayan ko na ganito talaga kami sa Makati,” he added.

After finishing senior high school, Estillore said he intends to take up a degree in Political Science at the University of Makati.

Mayor Abby Binay commended Estillore for his determination to finish his studies despite his age.

“I am proud and amazed by Mr. Estillore’s determination to pursue his education despite his age and the Covid19 pandemic. On behalf of the city government, I applaud him,” Binay said.