72-year-old Negrense farmer passes agriculturist exam on second try

NEGROS OCCCIDENTAL, Philippines – At a time when many people his age take care of their gardens or grandchildren, farmer Diosdado “Tatay Ebang” Evangelista went back to studying, learned the digital steps of the board exam process, and passed the Agriculturist Licensure Examination (ALE). 

The aging farmer from Candoni, Negros Occidental, was among the 6,678 out of 9,742 examinees (68.55%) who made it last November 2025.

The 72-year-old Evangelista graduated from Central Philippines State University (CPSU) in Candoni in 2023, a dream he pursued despite his age. Two years later, he now carries the title he once whispered only in prayers.

“I just wanted to prove to myself that I could still do it,” he said. “True faith and prayers — God will always find the way.”

He first took the ALE in 2024. He did not pass, but he didn’t let the setback dim his spirit.

“It taught me three lessons: study, study, and study,” he told Rappler on Wednesday, December 3.

The septuagenarian returned in 2025 more prepared, more disciplined, and more determined.

Evangelista said he had set aside his dream of earning a degree after marrying his wife, Ofelia Garcia, in 1974, choosing instead to focus on raising their family. Ofelia passed away in 2024, months before he took the board exam.

He has four children, all of whom earned their college degrees before him.

Hurdles

While much younger examinees breezed through online submissions, Evangelista faced a steep learning curve.

“I didn’t even know how to use the internet on my phone,” he admitted.

Filing his Notice of Admission (NOA) online overwhelmed him so much that a PRC security guard had to assist.

“I sent him money as gratitude,” he said. “I even followed up with the PRC five times because I didn’t know how to do any of it.”

But none of those challenges stopped him.

“Prayers, guidance from God, determination, patience, and positive thoughts — that’s my secret,” he said.

Classmate’s pride

Among those who celebrated his success is Jether Trinio, who studied with Evangelista during their board review in 2024.

“I’m really happy he finally passed,” Trinio said. “Tatay wakes up every day at 4 am to review. And during class he was very active and never absent.”

Evangelista advised younger examinees who did not pass on their first try to “take it positively, but never quit. There’s always another chance.”

“Education is a never-ending process,” Evangelista added. – Rappler.com