Benjamin S. Naoe, affectionately known as Tatay Ben, earned his college degree at 80 after postponing his own education for decades to provide for his family. PHINMA University of Pangasinan announced his graduation on June 20, 2024.
Reportedly born on March 22, 1944, Naoe is now 82 years old as of July 2026. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from PHINMA University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City.
His journey toward a college degree began long before he entered the university. Tatay Ben had been a widower since 1985 and chose not to remarry as he focused on raising and supporting his six children.
Before returning to school, he had completed only his first year of high school and a one-year vocational course in auto mechanics. He spent years working to support his family, including decades as a vehicle parts specialist in Saudi Arabia.
Naoe helped four of his six children earn college degrees before pursuing his own education. After retiring from overseas work in 2017, he enrolled in the Alternative Learning System at Mangaldan National High School.
He passed the required examinations and qualified as a high school graduate in 2019. That achievement allowed him to continue to higher education.
Naoe enrolled at PHINMA University of Pangasinan as a 75-year-old college freshman in June 2019. On his first day of classes, he left home at 5 a.m. for a 7:30 a.m. class and arrived while the school gate was still closed.
He said he chose Political Science because the program gave him “a broader knowledge about life.”
Reflecting on the years he spent working and waiting to continue his education, Naoe said, “It was long patience that I endured.”
His graduation completed an educational journey delayed by decades of family responsibilities. After helping his children pursue their futures, Naoe finally earned the college degree he had long sought.
