A fourth-year tourism student in Quezon City has credited the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) with helping her stay on track to becoming a flight attendant despite financial challenges.

Samantha Donaire, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management student at World Citi Colleges, said the scholarship provided crucial support to cover tuition fees, field trips, and other course requirements that her family could not afford.

“The scholarship helped me with expenses like tours and materials, which are vital for my course. It’s allowed me to continue working toward my dream,” Donaire said.

The TDP, which provides financial assistance to underprivileged students, is supported by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go in his capacity as chair of the Senate Youth Committee.

Go has been vocal in advocating for education initiatives that alleviate the financial burdens faced by students. In addition to backing scholarship programs, he has co-authored and supported several education-related laws, including the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act; the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act; and the Free College Entrance Examinations Act.

Go also co-authored Senate Bill No. 1360, which seeks to expand subsidies under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, further supporting students from low-income families.

In a message to Senator Go, Donaire expressed her gratitude for the scholarship program. “This has been a huge help, not just for me but also for my family. I hope this program continues to reach more students like me,” she said.

The Tulong Dunong Program is part of a broader push to improve access to education for disadvantaged youth, reflecting efforts to ensure that financial challenges do not prevent talented Filipinos from achieving their goals.