Manila: Popular Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, a school drop-out, passed a special test of the education department that will allow him to realise his dream of finishing a college degree.
In an interview, Pacquiao said that he and his brother Bobby, also a boxer, were happy to pass the qualifying test for a secondary degree.
“My plan is to go to college and finish a degree in political science either at the Ateneo University of at De La Salle College,” said Pacquiao, adding he does not mind spending the next four years to earn a college degree.
“I took up review classes for the test,” said Pacquiao adding that he and his brother read a lot books and engaged tutors to prepare for the test.
The boxer said his success in education should entice other school drop-outs to return to school and take up either a two-year vocational degree or, if they are more ambitious, a four-year college course.
Pacquiao’s plan to finish a college degree is related to his plan to embark on a political career, sources said, adding that he is expected to run as a congressman representing his district in General Santos in the southern Philippines.
He has joined the ruling party and has been an endorser of senator candidates backed by President Gloria Arroyo. At the same time, education secretary Jesli Lapus declared Pacquiao an ambassador of alternative learning in the Philippines. He could make the out-of-school youth love education, said Lapus.
“He is a good role model,” said Lapus, adding that Pacquiao’s persistence to aim for a college degree after being a truant is exemplary for a sportsman.
He does not have to try hard for others to emulate him. He has been a role model for a lot of Filipinos after he won high profile boxing bouts abroad. Pacquiao is the defending super featherweight champion of the World Boxing Council.
