At 82, this Boholano retired teacher still serves with heart
Jesus Salarda is 82 years old, but he still climbs coconut trees, rides a motorcycle, and volunteers in his community. The retired teacher from Sierra Bullones, Bohol, believes service has no expiration date.
“I am 82 years old, but still alert and kicking,” Salarda told CDN Digital.
After more than three decades in the classroom, Salarda remains deeply involved in his community. He helps fellow senior citizens, volunteers in local projects, and even served as president of the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs Federation for 12 years.
From farm to classroom
Before he learned to teach, Salarda first learned to farm. He started working in the fields while still in first grade, helping his family survive in Sierra Bullones. His father died in 1948, when Salarda was only four years old.
Despite the hardship, Salarda continued his education. He graduated with honors from Sierra Bullones High School and studied at Rafael Palma College, now the University of Bohol, as a working student.
Teaching was not his original dream. He wanted to become an agricultural engineer, but studying outside Bohol was beyond what his family could afford.
“My family was very poor, and I could not afford to finance myself to go to other schools in other provinces,” Salarda said.
Instead, he stayed close to home, worked while studying, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1966.
“It was during that time that I learned that poverty is not a hindrance to success,” Salarda said.
He joined the Department of Education, where he taught Mathematics and took on extra responsibilities. He was involved in scouting and served as subject coordinator, demonstration teacher, and property custodian.
In 2003, he retired as a Master Teacher after roughly 37 years in education.
A new chapter of service
Retirement did not mean stepping away from community life. Salarda joined the Senior Citizens Association in his barangay and was elected president in 2010.
His community work eventually led him to Kalahi-CIDSS, a community development program by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The program lets residents identify their own needs and take part in planning and implementing projects.
When Kalahi-CIDSS reached Sierra Bullones in 2015, Salarda joined as a community volunteer. He became sub-project chairman of a road-concreting project in his barangay and served on the Barangay Development Council and the Technical Working Group for six clustered barangays.
He coordinated meetings, worked with suppliers, monitored materials, and encouraged residents to join the project. The road was initially planned for around 300 meters, but savings allowed the community to extend it by another 350 meters.
“The changes now are really noticeable, especially with the improvements in the roads. Most of the roads have been concreted. If we go around, you can really see the huge difference,” he said in a mix of English and Cebuano.
More than a road project
For Salarda, the value of Kalahi-CIDSS goes beyond the roads. The program gave barangay officials, volunteers, and residents the chance to work together, from identifying needs to carrying out projects.
His years of volunteer work earned him recognition. Salarda was named Central Visayas' nominee for the 2026 Bayani Ka Awards as an exceptional senior citizen volunteer.
But for him, service is not about titles or awards.
“It is a commitment to serve the people, sharing my time and efforts to help other people. I give it to them without any reservation. Basta makaya pa, kayanon nako,” he said. (As long as I can do it, I will.)
What is his advice for others?
For those wondering whether they should keep helping their communities as they grow older, Salarda has simple advice:
“Ipadayon jud na as long as you have the ability to do the work, with heart.” (Continue what you are doing as long as you can, with heart.)