AN 86-year-old farmer from the Bicol region finished Junior High School with highest honors through the Alternative Learning System program of the Department of Education.

Jose Timajo Rojas graduated at the Bato Central Elementary School in Catanduanes last July 14.

He was the oldest student in the province.

Rojas said he stopped studying in the 4th grade because of financial problems.

He learned about ALS through his grandson who works as an ALS teacher.

ALS teacher Marilou Sarmiento said that the old man was hardworking and eager to learn.

The farmer was one of almost 900 graduates of ALS in Catanduanes this School Year 2022-2023.