At an age when many tend gardens or grandchildren, 72-year-old farmer Diosdado “Tatay Ebang” Evangelista learned the digital steps of the board exam process, and passed the November 2025 Agriculturist Licensure Examination (ALE)—becoming one of the 6,678 out of 9,742 examinees (68.55%) who made it.
Evangelista graduated from Central Philippines State University (CPSU) in Candoni Campus 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 told Brigada News FM Philippines on Wednesday, December 3. “True faith and prayers—God will always find the way.”
Evangelista 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 said.
He returned in 2025 more prepared, more disciplined, and more determined.
Hurdles
While younger examinees breeze 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,” he added.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.