The dawn of a new year often brings promises of fresh opportunities and hope. For many Filipino students, including Leoline Castillo, these promises are not mere resolutions but realities made possible by the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The program, which aligns seamlessly with the vision of inclusive and quality education, serves as a testament to what collective effort can achieve in breaking barriers to education. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, stands out as a vital figure championing this cause.
Leoline, a fourth-year Bachelor of Secondary Education (Major in English) student at Lyceum Northern Luzon in Pangasinan, shares her story with remarkable sincerity. She does so not just as a scholar but as someone who understands the gravity of public service. As the chairperson of her barangay’s youth council, Leoline embodies leadership rooted in gratitude and purpose.
“Ako po ay tumutulong na katulad din po ni Kuya Bong Go sa mga ibang kabataan na kagaya po po dahil ako po ay isang chairperson sa aming barangay,” she began, her words mirroring the transformative impact of education not only on her own life but on her community as well.
The Tulong Dunong Program enables students like Leoline to continue their studies without the looming fear of financial instability. It bridges gaps, providing assistance that often becomes the lifeline for families struggling to support their children’s education.
Beyond mere financial aid, the program restores dignity and hope to young individuals who might otherwise be lost in the shuffle of systemic inequality.
“Tulong po ito para hindi lang po sa amin, kundi pati na rin po sa mga pamilya, magulang na nahihirapan,” Leoline expressed, emphasizing how the ripple effect of such initiatives extends beyond individual students to uplift entire families.
Senator Go has consistently emphasized that scholarship programs are integral to his advocacy for the Filipino youth. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Go has pushed for key measures that strengthen the education sector, ensuring that young Filipinos have access to opportunities that once seemed unreachable.
This advocacy is in line with Go’s legislative efforts, such as the recently enacted Republic Act No. 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, which he co-authored and co-sponsored to provide temporary relief for students with outstanding loans during emergencies.
The senator’s hands-on approach resonates with many scholars who see him not as a distant figure but as someone genuinely invested in their success. For Leoline, his efforts are both inspiring and aspirational.
“Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ‘yung pagkakataong ibinigay n’yo po sa akin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. At iyan po ang pwede kong i-alay sa inyo, ang aking bisyo sa pagseserbisyo,” said Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.#
