BONTOC, Mountain Province (PIA) — A total of 1,280 students from Mountain Province State University received their educational assistance under the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) and Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) to help them pursue higher education.
Students who qualified for the TDP received ₱7,500 each while those under the TES got ₱10,000 each. Both Commission on Higher Education-Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) scholarships, the Tulong Dunong Program provides financial assistance to students enrolled in a Bachelor’s Degree or a technical-vocational course in any of the participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country.
TES, on the other hand, is a grant-in-aid program under Republic Act 10931 that supports qualified students enrolled in CHED-recognized public and private HEIs and belong to a household with a combined annual gross income not exceeding Php 300,000. Grantees enrolled in state colleges and universities are entitled to P7,500 per semester under the TDP, and ₱10,000 per semester for TES.
MPSU President Dr. Edgar G. Cue expressed gratitude to the partner agencies and other stakeholders for facilitating the scholarships helping students pursue their education.
He also reminded the students to use the money wisely and to remember their parents’ sacrifices.
“Our students, there were a lot of us including your parents and guardians who believe in the power of education. Education can change the course of your life.”
“Thus, never stop learning and never ever think of giving up your education because life never stops teaching you lessons, and life will give you countless opportunities when you have that diploma” he said.
Student beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, noting how helpful the program is to their families.
“I am deeply honored to be a recipient of the Tertiary Education Subsidy. Your generous support has reaffirmed my commitment to my studies and inspire me to pursue my goals,” Daryl Fongkot, a Criminology student said.
“As a Political Science student coming from a family of minimum wage earner, this grant really helps cover for my school expenses especially my miscellaneous fees, ” Queenie Cabfilan said.
She also mentioned that the grant supports her when she travels as a campus journalist.
“This scholarship I received isn’t just a financial gain, it is a lifeline, a vote of confidence and beacon of hope. It allows me to focus more on my studies and contribute to my community,” Dominic May-ao said.
Local officials encouraged students to appreciate the opportunities provided by the TDP and TES, to help them complete their undergraduate degrees and achieve their dreams.
“We will not demand you anything in return, but we expect that you will be the ones who will take the forefront and direct the wheel towards a brighter and better future of your lives,” Congressman Maximo Dalog , Jr. stated. (JDP/CGAS-PIA CAR, Mountain Province)
