BY SHY POLIDO
WHO says age matters?
As the country celebrates National Grandparents’ day today, help us walk through Nanay Marina’s story as she shares her journey of being a dedicated lola amidst the wonders of education.
She is 70. But for her, education is a must.
Marina Loloy of Barangay Maribong, Lambunao, Iloilo just graduated from West Visayas State University- Calinog campus with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management degree.
Photos courtesy of MJ Latorza Fernandez
Taking up the course wasn’t Nanay’s priority at first, as she had to take care of her 11 children. When her children had settled, Nanay decided to make up for the things she missed thus pursuing education.
According to her, it was a big challenge at first because of her age. But with her family’s support, she handled things just as smoothly.
“Kung kis-a nahuya man ako sa kaugalingon ko kay mal-am na ‘ko haw ugaling kay gina-challenge ko gid kaugalingon ko nga makatapos. Ang akon kabataan puro sila tanan nakatapos. Isa lang abi ang 2nd year college lang, gina isip-isip ko man nga manami gid ang maka-eskwela, ang maka degree degree man,” Nanay Marina shared in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
MJ Latorza Fernandez, Nanay’s college instructor, also shared that the latter had experienced bullying. But despite this, Fernandez encouraged Loloy to disregard those negative comments.
“She was bullied last time of wearing uniform because she is already old. But I still encouraged her to wear and don’t mind those who bullied,” said Fernandez.
“Because what important is she is a good model to her classmates,” she added.
Nanay Marina made her children and apos as inspiration towards achieving her goals. She said her family was her primary support in her studies.
Her children had their share of knowledge when some of her subjects gets tough.
“Ay nagapulaw man ako sa pagtuon. Kis-a nagakalipat,” she said.
Her children are also beyond proud of their mother’s achievement.
âBilang bata nga may nanay ako nga maka graduate bisan mal-am na syempre kami tanan nga kabataan ya proud kami. Happy gid kami ya nga graduate si Nanay,” said Leonor Loloy Cubar, Nanay Marina’s daughter.
At last, Nanay got her own diploma and graduation picture – the latest (and the most memorable) addition to her children’s.(with reports from ABS-CBN News/PN)
