In the quiet mornings of Lamitan City, Basilan, Marlon Hadjinulla often wakes up with a singular goal in mind: to become a teacher. The journey has been difficult for the 22-year-old Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) student. As he juggled his academic load, familial responsibilities, and the weight of financial uncertainty, the dream of donning a toga seemed like a distant star — visible, but out of reach.

Marlon, the eldest of five siblings, grew up in a community where opportunities were often scarce. His family, subsisting on modest means, placed a premium on education. “Ang makapagtapos kami ay pangarap ng pamilya,” he shared. Despite the challenges, his passion for education burned brightly.

This resolve was met with hope when Marlon was granted a scholarship under the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) of the Commission on Higher Education. The program aims to uplift Filipino students through financial aid, ensuring that no dream is unrealized due to economic hardship.

For Marlon, the scholarship meant more than a reprieve from tuition worries. It was a lifeline that allowed him to focus on his studies without the constant pressure of scraping together daily expenses.

Behind this transformative program is the tireless support of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth. As a staunch advocate of initiatives that provide inclusive access to education, Senator Go’s legislative efforts have been instrumental in securing funding and expanding the reach of scholarships like the TDP.

“Ang edukasyon ang magbibigay sa atin ng magandang kinabukasan,” Senator Go has often emphasized in his speeches, underscoring the government’s goal of bridging the gap between privilege and potential. Through his support for education-related measures, Senator Go has championed programs that ensure students, particularly those from marginalized areas like Basilan, have access to quality education.

TDP assistance

Marlon is a testament to the profound impact of these initiatives. With the financial assistance from TDP, he was able to focus on his coursework, complete his practicum and prepare for the board exams. “Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Senator Kuya Bong Go na isa ako sa napili na libu-libong estudyante na nakakatanggap ng scholarship,” he shared.

His gratitude extends beyond financial support. For Marlon, the scholarship represents validation — proof that someone believed in his potential despite his circumstances.

Senator Go, in his capacity as chairperson, continues to champion education as a fundamental right. His support for scholarship programs, including the TDP, is rooted in his advocacy for “malasakit” and his vision for a more equitable society. Marlon’s success story is just one of thousands enabled by these efforts.

For Marlon, the future is bright. He envisions himself as a teacher in the very community that raised him, imparting knowledge and inspiration to the next generation.

In Basilan, where stories like Marlon’s echo with resilience and hope, the TDP has proven to be more than just a scholarship. It is a bridge to aspirations, a step toward progress, and a reminder that no dream is too distant when met with support and compassion.

And for that, students like Marlon have leaders like Senator Bong Go to thank — not just for believing in their dreams, but for making them possible.

This advocacy is in line with Go’s legislative efforts, such as the recently enacted Republic Act 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.

His efforts also include co-authoring and co-sponsoring several significant laws, such as Republic Act 11510, or Institutionalizing the Alternative Learning System to improve basic education delivery to underserved and disadvantaged student; RA 11984, or The “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act,” which ensures students are not barred from taking exams due to unpaid fees; RA 12006, or The “Free College Entrance Examinations Act,” waiving entrance exam fees for qualified top students in private higher educational institutions; and RA 11997, or The “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which increases teaching supply allowances for public school teachers.

Senator Go also co-authored Senate Bill No. 1360, which seeks to expand the tertiary education subsidy under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, enacted during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term. These legislative measures reflect his proactive approach to ensuring that students — regardless of socioeconomic background — can access quality education.