He spent most of his life farming — not studying.
Diosdado “Tatay Ebang” Evangelista Jr. worked the land for decades before ever stepping into a college classroom. At 69, the Filipino farmer finally earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree — after a lifetime of planting rice, sugarcane, cacao, ginger, and native trees to support his family.
He married Oelia Garcia in 1974, and together they raised four children — all of whom graduated college before he did. He put his own dream on hold so theirs could grow first.
After graduating, he took the Agriculturist Licensure Exam in 2024 — and didn’t pass.
At 72, he tried again.
This time, the challenge wasn’t just agriculture. It was technology — online registration, digital systems, and processes unfamiliar to him. With help from a PRC security guard and supportive classmates at Central Philippines State University, he adapted and persevered.
In November 2025, he passed.
Out of 9,742 examinees, 6,678 succeeded — and he was one of them.
His journey carried deeper meaning. His wife passed away in 2024, and he honored her memory through study, prayer, and persistence.
Now a licensed agriculturist at 72, he’s pursuing a master’s degree, continuing farm work, and planning to donate five hectares of land for community agricultural programs.
While others talk about “starting over,” Tatay Ebang simply kept going.
His message is clear: it’s never too late — as long as you don’t quit.
Diosdado “Tatay Ebang” Evangelista Jr. worked the land for decades before ever stepping into a college classroom. At 69, the Filipino farmer finally earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree — after a lifetime of planting rice, sugarcane, cacao, ginger, and native trees to support his family.
He married Oelia Garcia in 1974, and together they raised four children — all of whom graduated college before he did. He put his own dream on hold so theirs could grow first.
After graduating, he took the Agriculturist Licensure Exam in 2024 — and didn’t pass.
At 72, he tried again.
This time, the challenge wasn’t just agriculture. It was technology — online registration, digital systems, and processes unfamiliar to him. With help from a PRC security guard and supportive classmates at Central Philippines State University, he adapted and persevered.
In November 2025, he passed.
Out of 9,742 examinees, 6,678 succeeded — and he was one of them.
His journey carried deeper meaning. His wife passed away in 2024, and he honored her memory through study, prayer, and persistence.
Now a licensed agriculturist at 72, he’s pursuing a master’s degree, continuing farm work, and planning to donate five hectares of land for community agricultural programs.
While others talk about “starting over,” Tatay Ebang simply kept going.
His message is clear: it’s never too late — as long as you don’t quit.
He spent most of his life farming — not studying.
Diosdado “Tatay Ebang” Evangelista Jr. worked the land for decades before ever stepping into a college classroom. At 69, the Filipino farmer finally earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree — after a lifetime of planting rice, sugarcane, cacao, ginger, and native trees to support his family.
He married Oelia Garcia in 1974, and together they raised four children — all of whom graduated college before he did. He put his own dream on hold so theirs could grow first.
After graduating, he took the Agriculturist Licensure Exam in 2024 — and didn’t pass.
At 72, he tried again.
This time, the challenge wasn’t just agriculture. It was technology — online registration, digital systems, and processes unfamiliar to him. With help from a PRC security guard and supportive classmates at Central Philippines State University, he adapted and persevered.
In November 2025, he passed.
Out of 9,742 examinees, 6,678 succeeded — and he was one of them.
His journey carried deeper meaning. His wife passed away in 2024, and he honored her memory through study, prayer, and persistence.
Now a licensed agriculturist at 72, he’s pursuing a master’s degree, continuing farm work, and planning to donate five hectares of land for community agricultural programs.
While others talk about “starting over,” Tatay Ebang simply kept going.
His message is clear: it’s never too late — as long as you don’t quit.
