He started college in 1999—and finally became an LPT after 26 years

MANILA, Philippines – At 44 years old, Rogelio Icdang Batongmalaki Jr. finally achieved the dream he carried for more than two decades after passing the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) with an impressive average rating of 92.20%.

Photo courtesy: Rogelio Icdang Batongmalaki Jr.

Behind his success was a 26-year journey marked by poverty, sacrifice, delayed education, and unwavering faith.

In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, the Kidapawan City native opened up about the long and painful road that tested his patience, determination, and trust in God.

Batongmalaki started college in 1999 at Notre Dame of Kidapawan College and originally expected to graduate in 2003 with a degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies.

Before becoming an educator, however, he first dreamed of becoming an agriculturist because much of his life was deeply rooted in farming.

“Taking up an education course was not really my first dream because I originally wanted to become an agriculturist, considering that half of my life was immersed in farming,” he shared.

Instead, financial struggles repeatedly forced him to stop studying and work various jobs just to survive.

Batongmalaki worked as a waiter, working student, security guard, security supervisor, pension house receptionist, and eventually a government employee under the City Government of Kidapawan.

“Due to financial constraint, I was not able to continuously pursue my studies,” he recalled.

Even after building his own family, he continued setting aside his personal dream to prioritize responsibilities at home.

One of his biggest sacrifices came when he chose to support his wife’s education first before returning to school himself.

While working in the security profession, Batongmalaki spent years balancing exhausting work schedules with unfinished academic goals.

There were days when he arrived late to class or missed lessons because of work demands, but supportive professors continued encouraging him to move forward.

“Life is not a race, and every person has their own season and timeline,” he said.

After several interruptions, he finally returned to school in 2023 and officially graduated on May 17, 2025.

A year later, he received another blessing after passing the March 2026 LET.

“When I found out that I passed the board exam, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude and emotions,” he shared.

For him, the victory was never only about earning a professional license.

“I believe that delayed dreams can still come true in God’s perfect time,” he said.

“There is no shame in starting late,” he added. “The real failure is giving up on yourself and your dreams.”

Now, Batongmalaki hopes his story will inspire struggling students, working individuals, and dreamers who feel left behind by life.

His journey stands as proof that dreams delayed are not always dreams denied.

— The Summit Express