"Nothing is impossible if you are determined."

These were the words that echoed through the hallways of the University of Caloocan City (UCC) as two security guards, often unnoticed and quietly serving behind the school gates, crossed the stage to receive their college diplomas last April 2025.

For Glenn Casinillo, 46, and Julian Avila, 49, graduation was not just the culmination of years of hard work, but a declaration that age, poverty, and circumstance can never define one’s future.

Both men recently earned their degrees in Bachelor in Public Administration from the very university they serve as security personnel, a dream that was once distant, now realized through perseverance, sacrifice, and the support of a special education program initiated by the local government unit of Caloocan.

Glenn Casinillo

A native of Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur, Casinillo was forced to forgo college due to financial difficulties and limited access to public higher education in his province. 

“Ang kolehiyo po kasi doon is walang ganito na public, private school lang kasi iyong nandoon. Kaya wala po talaga kaming opportunity, hindi makaka-afford,” he shared.

Now based in Caloocan, Casinillo works tirelessly to support his wife and two children. For years, his days were defined by long shifts guarding the campus, followed by evening classes and sleepless nights preparing for exams. 

“Ang hirap kasi pagsabayin mo iyong trabaho mo as full-time father tapos pagsabayin mo iyong pag-aaral. Nandoon iyong ma-pe-pressure ka. Pero pag nakikita mo iyong mga classmates mo, magkakasama kayo, masaya. Iyon po iyong nagpa-antig sa akin. Na-encourage po ako talaga magpatuloy,” he said.

JULIAN’S JOURNEY: 'AKO LANG PO ANG NAGTATRABAHO SA PAMILYA KO'

Julian Avila, a security guard for almost 30 years, 10 years of those at the UCC, shared a similar story of persistence.

Julian Avila

A father of four, Avila hails from Bicol and moved to Manila after high school to seek work. The loss of his parents at a young age meant he had no one to support his college dreams.

“Kaya naisipan ko na pumunta ng Maynila para maghanap ng trabaho. Napunta ko rito sa Maynila, nag-apply ako bilang security guard. At na-assign po ako rito sa Caloocan” he said.

Years into his job, Avila heard of a program offered to university staff who haven't earned their degrees. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity he couldn’t ignore.

Still, the journey was filled with trials. But it was the encouragement of university professors and staff that helped him push through.

“Unang-una po ako nagpapasalamat sa loob ng registrar. (JC) Lalo na po kay Ma’am Judith, Dr. Reyes, at saka iyong mga professor po namin na nag-support sa amin na kami ay makapagtapos,” he said.

SPECIAL PROGRAM

The UCC’s special program for working professionals, especially security guards, job order employees, and other local government staff, began in 2013.

Spearheaded by the local government unit of Caloocan, the program offers evening and weekend classes, with flexible scheduling and partial online learning to accommodate the demands of full-time work.

“This special program is really intended for those who are already working. More of online siya, then kapag may examinations, tsaka lang kami nag face-to-face” said Dr. Wenald Lopez, Vice President for Administration at UCC.

Lopez highlighted the commitment of the university and the LGU to make education accessible beyond the traditional student demographic. Recently, the university also launched a Bachelor of Science in Social Work program with night classes to continue serving working learners like Casinillo and Avila.

LOOKING AHEAD: 'BAKIT HINDI?'

For Casinillo, the next step is to take the civil service exam. “Siguro kung may opportunity na mabigyan ng magpatuloy sa ibang career, why not? Pero sa ngayon, dito lang muna. Pag may chance, bakit hindi?” he said.

Avila echoes the same hope. “Ang pangarap ko sana ngayon, makapag-civil service. Kukuha sana ako ng Certified Professional Security,” he said.

Glenn Casinillo and Julian Avila withn their classmates

But neither man is giving up on learning. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that education isn’t bound by age or status, and that resilience, more than anything, is the key to unlocking new chapters.

A MESSAGE TO ALL DREAMERS

Casinillo leaves this message for others walking a similar path: “Sa mga gustong mag-aral, wala namang nauna at nahuli sa education. Kasi lahat naman tayo, tayo naman ang nagmamaneho sa buhay natin. Huwag nila pansinin iyong sinasabi ng iba na porket may edad na hindi na pwedeng ipagpatuloy iyong pag-aaral. Pero nasa iyo naman iyon. Sabi nga, habang may buhay, may pag-asa.”

And Avila’s words echo just as strong: “Pwede po natin ipagpatuloy [ang pag-aaral] kahit na po na may edad na tayo.”

They are no longer just guards of the university’s gates, they are now guardians of their dreams.