Calapan City Mayor Arnan Panaligan has lauded the patience, perseverance and success of a Clarissa de la Pena who finished college at 45 years old.
De la Pena, a Bachelor of Library and Information Science graduate of the City College of Calapan, also passed the recent Licensure Examinations for Professional Librarians.
“Clarissa did not allow poverty to be a hindrance to her success. At age 45, she was able to finish college and passed the board exams to become a Registered Librarian,” Panaligan said.
“Araw araw, naglalakad si Clarissa mula sa kanyang tirahan sa Pamana ng Lungsod Resettlement Site sa Bgy. Balite papuntang City Plaza upang makatipid sa pamasahe. Mula sa plaza, siya ay sumasakay sa tricycle papuntang City College,” the mayor added.
De la Peña first took Bachelor in Education bud had to stop because of financial reasons.
“Hinikayat siya ni Ms. Claire Benter, Chief Librarian ng City Library, na magpatuloy sa pag-aaral at kumuha ng Bachelor in Library and Information Science. Tinulungan sya ni Ms. Claire Benter at ng library staff sa mga reading materials at pinayagang makapagpa-xerox ng mga materials ng walang bayad,” said Panaligan.
After graduation, Clarissa did not enroll in a review classes in Manila but instead reviewed by herself.
“Si Clarissa ay nag self review na lamang. Sa pagsisikap, tiyaga at panalangin, si Clarissa ay nakapasa sa Licensure Examinations at isa na ngayong Registered Librarian,” the mayor said.
:Isang halimbawa ng tagumpay sa gitna ng kahirapan. Nawa ay maging halimbawa at inspirasyon ang kwento ni Clarissa para sa maraming tao lalo na sa kabataan,” he added.