Diosdado Evangelista Jr., a 72-year-old farmer from Candoni in Negros Occidental, passed the 2025 Agriculturist Licensure Examination on his second attempt. He was one of 6,678 passers out of 9,742 examinees in November 2025. His success stems from determination, faith, and relentless study.
Diosdado “Tatay Ebang” Evangelista graduated from Central Philippines State University in Candoni in 2023, fulfilling a long-held dream despite his age. He first attempted the Agriculturist Licensure Examination in 2024 but failed, yet the experience only fueled his resolve. “It taught me three lessons: study, study, and study,” he told Rappler on December 3.
Evangelista set aside his educational aspirations after marrying Ofelia Garcia in 1974 to focus on family. Ofelia passed away in 2024, months before his initial exam. He has four children, all of whom completed college degrees before he did.
While younger examinees easily handled online submissions, Evangelista faced significant challenges. “I didn’t even know how to use the internet on my phone,” he admitted. A Professional Regulation Commission security guard assisted him with the Notice of Admission, and he followed up five times due to unfamiliarity. “Prayers, guidance from God, determination, patience, and positive thoughts — that’s my secret,” he said.
Jether Trinio, who reviewed with him in 2024, celebrated the achievement: “I’m really happy he finally passed. 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 failed their first try: “take it positively, but never quit. There’s always another chance.” He added, “Education is a never-ending process.”