500 new grantees of the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) from the University gathered today at the Multi-Purpose Hall to sign their Notices of Award (NOA). Before the signing, the grantees participated in an orientation session outlining the program’s guidelines and expectations.
Each of the 500 students will receive a financial grant of Php 7,500.00, aimed at alleviating financial barriers to their education.
In a video message, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the governmentโs commitment to strengthening higher education through initiatives like the TDP. He emphasized that the program is designed to provide vital financial support to qualified students, encouraging them to make the most of this opportunity, work diligently in their studies, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson J. Prospero E. de Vera III highlighted that financial constraints remain the primary reason students drop out of school. By eliminating tuition fees and offering additional financial aid, he noted, the government seeks to ensure that more students complete their academic journey.
University President Dr. Edgar G. Cue expressed his gratitude to President Marcos and all national and local officials for their continued support, thanking the government for its investment in the future of the students. โYou are very lucky to have this kind of opportunity,โ Dr. Cue told the grantees. โWe ask you to become Responsible, Accountable, Responsive, and Excellent (RARE) in your studies.โ
Local officials also shared encouraging words with the grantees. Provincial Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr., Vice-Governor Francis O. Tauli, Provincial Administrator John Likigan, and Board Members Ezra Samson A. Gomez, Johnson II D. Bantog, and Ricardo M. Masidong Jr. all took turns offering advice and messages of support, emphasizing the importance of financial assistance and education in shaping their future.
University Officials including VPAA Dr. Geraldine L. Madjaco, Bontoc campus Director Dr. Arel B. Sia-ed, SSDO Dean Ms. Jennifer Ruth C. Tuazon, and Scholarships and Grants Office personnel showed support. The Commission on Higher Education-CAR (CHED-CAR) was represented by the CHED-TES focal Person Ms. Jezeny Laoyan, who was accompanied by CHED personnel from the regional office.
The fund for the program is an initiative spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Mountain Province, in partnership with the University, and is granted by the Office of the House Speaker, Hon. Martin R. Romualdez. The program is part of a broader effort under the Commission on Higher Education to provide financial assistance to students across various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) throughout the country.#
