A lifelong passion for learning

For Jesus Peralta Martinez, there

is no age limit for learning. More than 40 years after dropping out of college, Martinez will join 1,376 other graduates of Pangasinan State University at their commencement exercises this Tuesday. And at 70, Martinez is not yet done with schooling. After getting tertiary education equivalency and accreditation and obtaining his master’s in development management, the insurance broker plans to pursue his high school dream of becoming a lawyer.

The assessment and accreditation program, run by the Commission on Higher Education in partnership with colleges and universities, awards academic credits for work experience and non-traditional means of education. The program deserves more promotion and support to fill the education gap.

Despite universal free basic education, the country has a high dropout rate starting in grade school. Poverty forces families to cut short children’s education so they can help in farms or in home-based micro enterprises. Teenagers stop schooling to work as maids.

By the time the dropouts have saved enough to resume their formal education, many years have gone by. Equivalency and accreditation programs can encourage them to return to school and fulfill lifelong dreams. Adult literacy programs can also encourage people, regardless of age, to finish formal schooling.

With Filipinos living longer, more people will want to continue being active and productive well past retirement age. Offering special education programs will help meet this need. Staying active in all aspects is good for health at any age, and societies benefit from the experience of older members. There is no age limit in the pursuit of knowledge and special skills. The government, in cooperation with private educators, must encourage a lifelong passion for learning.