Negros Occidental, Philippines – Age never stood in the way of one Filipino farmer’s dream. At 72 years old, Diosdado “Tatay Ebang” Evangelista officially earned his title as a licensed agriculturist after passing the November 2025 Agriculturist Licensure Examination (ALE).
According to a news report, Tatay Ebang succeeded on his second try, proving that perseverance pays off no matter how many years pass.
A Lifetime of Farming Finally Recognized
For decades, Tatay Ebang worked the land with his own hands. Farming was never just a job for him – it was a way of life. But while many would consider retirement at his age, he chose to chase something bigger: an official license to back up the experience he spent a lifetime building.
His first attempt at the board exam did not go as planned. Instead of giving up, he studied harder and came back stronger. The second time around, his hard work paid off.
Why This Story Matters to Filipinos Abroad
For Overseas Filipino Workers and their families, Tatay Ebang’s achievement hits close to home. Many OFWs leave the country to provide a better future, often putting their own dreams on hold. His story is a reminder that those dreams never expire.
Here’s what makes his journey so inspiring:
- Age is just a number. At 72, he refused to let time limit what he could accomplish.
- Failure is not the end. His first attempt didn’t stop him – it pushed him to try again.
- Hard work always counts. Decades of farming experience combined with determination led him to the finish line.
For Filipinos working far from home, this is proof that it’s never too late to go back to school, pursue a passion, or earn that long-overdue certification.
A Message of Hope for Every Filipino
Tatay Ebang’s success speaks to the heart of the Filipino spirit – resilient, hardworking, and never quick to quit. His journey shows that whether you’re a young professional abroad or a senior chasing a long-held goal, your dreams are still within reach.
Many OFWs sacrifice years of their lives building futures for their loved ones. Stories like his remind us that those sacrifices, paired with grit and determination, can lead to remarkable wins.
To Tatay Ebang: Congratulations, and Thank you for showing us all that it’s never too late.