BORONGAN CITY– When John Lester Ravas climbed the stage on June 17 at the Borongan City Multipurpose Gym, he stood there not just as a guest speaker but as living proof of what the Alternative Learning System (ALS) can do to transform people to the best they can be.
Once a school dropout from Jipapad, Eastern Samar, Ravas shared his powerful story in front of more than 400 ALS graduates and their families during the province’s first Division-Level Graduation and Moving Up Ceremony for ALS passers.
Ravas’ message was more than inspirational. It was deeply personal, a testament to resilience, second chances, and the transformative power of education.
“This is not just the end of an academic journey. It is a celebration of your courage, your commitment, and your refusal to give up on your dreams. You are not ordinary students.
You are learners with strength, determination, and heart,” Ravas told the graduates.
Speaking from experience, Ravas acknowledged the real struggles ALS learners face, family responsibilities, financial hardship, lack of access, and more, but also celebrated their strength in choosing to come back and keep going.
“You juggled many roles in life, parent, provider, sibling, worker, and still chose to become a student. That, in itself, is a remarkable achievement,” he said.
After passing the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test in 2016, Ravas pursued a degree in Criminology and graduated with honors. He later passed the Licensure Examination for Criminologists with distinction, ranking as second in Region VIII in 2022.
Today, he is a faculty member at Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) Main Campus, earned his master’s degree in Criminal Justice, and is currently taking his doctorate while being a Certified Legal Medicine Specialist.
“ALS is not a shortcut. In fact, it takes more discipline, more patience, and more sacrifice than many realize,” he said.
“You studied in barangay halls, during lunch breaks at work, while raising your children. And today, you are victorious,” Ravas’ added.
Ravas also honored the ALS teachers, mobile facilitators, and coordinators whose dedication makes the program possible.
“Your work goes far beyond teaching. You inspire, you guide, and you give people hope. You knock on doors, visit remote sitios, and never give up on a learner. You are changing lives,” he added.
His heartfelt message resonated deeply with the audience, bringing many to tears. But perhaps most stirring was his reminder that every graduate now carries the power to inspire others.
“Somewhere out there is someone who thinks it’s too late to go back to school. Be the voice that tells them: ‘If I can do it, so can you.’ This diploma is more than just paper. It is a symbol of your strength. It is proof that you can finish what you started,” Ravas noted.
In his message, Gorgonio G. Diaz, schools division superintendent of DepEd Eastern Samar, emphasized that the true measure of success lies beyond the diploma.
“ Success is not merely receiving a diploma. The diploma is just the beginning of true success. The best thing about learning is no one can take it away from you,” Diaz said.
Vicente Antofina Jr., ALS coordinator of DepEd Eastern Samar, shared that the event was organized to celebrate the achievements of ALS learners, expand the program’s reach, and encourage broader community involvement.
Graduates came from across the province, having passed the 2024 A&E Test earlier this year, as officially announced through DepEd Memorandum No. 46, s. 2025. In line with DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2016, passers are now eligible to advance to Grade 7 or 11, pursue vocational training, or seek employment with their certificate of completion.
But beyond the banners and speeches, it was Ravas’ story and his message that truly defined the day.
“You were never behind. You were simply building strength for the right moment. And that moment is now. You are not just survivors. You are achievers. You are not just learners.
You are leaders in your own right. And you are not just graduates. You are the hope of your community,” he concluded.
As the ALS Eastern Samar closes School Year 2024-2025 with this milestone event, it moves forward with stronger commitment to education for all. And in the hearts of those present, one message continues to echo: “Sa ALS, may pag-asa.”
(VTG/PIA Eastern Samar)
