For Jenver Garland, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Education major in Mathematics student at R.G. de Castro Colleges in Bulan, Sorsogon, the dream of obtaining a diploma is becoming a reality.

This is thanks to a scholarship provided by the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHEd) Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) and the support of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go in his capacity as chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

Garland, an irregular student following a course shift, shared how this assistance has significantly eased the financial burden brought about by his studies.

Given the number of academic units he needs to complete, Garland admitted that covering the tuition and other expenses was a major challenge. However, CHEd’s Tulong Dunong Program has allowed him to stay on track and continue working towards his goal of becoming an educator, he said.

Garland extended his heartfelt gratitude to Senator Go for advocating programs that support students like him, emphasizing how these initiatives create opportunities for those determined to finish their studies despite financial hardship.

“My message to Senator Bong Go is I hope he gets to help more youth by continuing with this program. Because for us who depend on this program, there’s nothing impossible and we’ll continue to study,” Garland said.

The passage of Republic Act 12077, the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, underscores Senator Go’s dedication to upholding the dignity of Filipinos in times of crisis.

As a co-sponsor and co-author of the law, he has helped ensure that students with existing loans receive temporary financial relief during emergencies and calamities.

Go also co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11510, which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System to improve basic education delivery to underserved and disadvantaged students; RA 11984, or the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act, which prohibits educational institutions from denying students the right to take exams due to unpaid fees; RA 12006, or the Free College Entrance Examinations Act, waiving entrance exam fees at private higher educational institutions for qualified top students; as well as RA 11997, or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which increased teaching supply allowances for public school teachers.