The K + 12 curriculum for this 65-year old Dauis resident is not a deterrent after all when he enrolled as a Grade 8 “pupil”, the equivalent of second year high school in the old scheme. For Virgilio G. Pintecase of Dauis town, it’s still age doesn’t matter t since he is bent to finish his secondary studies and possibly earning a college diploma, age permitting. Pintecase, who is to turn 65 years old on June 26, 2013 told this writer he’s now a sophomore or Grade 8 student under the K+12 scheme. And certainly he’s the oldest among the 3,938 enrollees and teachers alike at the Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS), formerly the Bohol National High School , headed by school principal Concepcion H. Bagotchay. Pintecase, single and a resident of barangay Catarman, Dauis town, used to be a “tuba” gatherer or what called “mananggiti,” during his younger days. He recalled that at times he went into fishing expeditions with other fisherfolks just to help his parents earn a living.

Apparently because of his penchant to fishing, he said, he stopped schooling after completing the elementary some 51 years ago. As years gone by, he remains single, living with a sibling, Leonardo. His parents already passed away. Asked what prompted him to pursue his formal education despite his age, Pintecase, logically said that acquiring knowledge would prevent him from being bullied by those who are learned. Nobody is fooled if he is educated or he’s knowledgeable compare to those who are not, he explained. Fondly called as “Lolo” by his schoolmates and teachers alike, Pintecase did not hide his being true to himself as he is determined to complete his studies despite the odds such as having failed in Math and English subjects last year. And candidly he admitted he finds it hard to study since he’s not an exceptional one but he never cease to try and study hard. He said he chose to study here because the school administration, teachers and students are friendly even if this costs him additional expenses for his fares and daily routine. And he feels at home and welcomed here, he said.

He recalled that when he decided to go back to school last year as freshman he was not admitted immediately because he has no proof he has completed his elementary. All his papers in elementary was destroyed by termites in old school of his place. Quitting was never on his mind and he found an ally in his former classmate, Ceferino Miculob, who helped him and testify that he graduated in elementary at his Barangay, and ultimately he was then enrolled. Asked if he would like to be promoted considering his age if given the opportunity, he said, he will rather discontinue his studies. He minced no words of saying that he’s determined to undergo step-by-step of the way while there’s still time just to make his dream realized soon. But most of all, he said, he prays that he’ll always be given good health. (RVO)