BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) calls on the youth sector in the different provinces of Caraga region to avail of the scholarship programs of the agency.

In his visit and dialogue with students from various state colleges and universities dubbed “Fun Kwentuhan,” CHED Chairperson Popoy De Vera revealed that the Commission prioritizes the provision of scholarships, in order to increase the number of enrollees at the tertiary level and help the youth finish their studies and achieve their goals and aspirations in life.

De Vera highlighted the importance of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) in allowing more Filipinos to become ‘first-generation graduates’ in their families.

“Bakit kayo espesyal? Kasi ‘yung first generation graduates, and sisiguraduhin nila sa kanilang buhay, ay hindi nila ipapamana ang kahirapan nila sa kanilang mga anak. They will stop poverty in their generation,” remarked De Vera.

He also stressed that being poor should not hinder the students from becoming who they want to be and what they want to achieve in life. 

“Our national government has programs to provide our youth with quality education that is accessible and available, especially for the marginalized youth sector. Aside from CHED, other government agencies have also allocated scholarship programs to support the youth. We continue to reach out to them to inspire them to enroll and grab the opportunity to support their education,” elaborated De Vera.

De Vera further emphasized that he has a high regard for public education, as he finished his education in public schools.

“Do not give up when you can already see the finish line from a distance. Continue the perseverance,” he said.

Kyle Salvado, a fourth-year graduating student from Caraga State University (CSU), expressed that through the dialogue with Chairperson De Vera, they became more conscious of their studies, inspiring them to be role models to their younger peers.

“I am thankful to be part of this gathering. I am really inspired by the story shared by Chairperson De Vera. Thank you to CHED and other government agencies that are implementing significant programs to promote the rights and welfare of the youth,” said Salvado.

Meanwhile, CSU President Dr. Rolyn Daguil expressed pride inbeing a graduate from a state university despite experiencing lonesomeness and financial challenges.

“I was able to survive because of the scholarship offered by the government. I was also inspired to see other students persevere and strive hard to finish their studies in order to have a better future,” Daguil cited.

Daguil also encouraged the students of higher education institutions to always give their best shot and, while achieving success, never forget to give back to society as a way of expressing gratitude for the free education received from the government.

Moreover, Dr. Joy Capistrano, president of Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, elaborated on how she remained motivated tofinish school even if she was in a romantic relationship at that age.

“Having a relationship while studying requires strong willpower to set limits and prioritize. I make sure that relationship doesnot overlap with the purpose of finishing my education,” she said. (JPG/RLE, PIA-Caraga)