Earning a college degree is a challenging journey, but for Jenver Garland, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Education majoring in Mathematics at R.G. De Castro Colleges in Bulan, Sorsogon, it is becoming more attainable. Garland, who became an irregular student after shifting courses, shared how a scholarship has eased the financial burden of his education.
"Pangarap ko po ang makapagtapos at ma-share yung lessons na makukuha ko sa professional degree na aking makukuha kapag naka-graduate ako (My dream is to graduate and share the lessons I will gain from the professional degree I will earn when I graduate)," he said.
Garland acknowledged that tuition fees and other costs were major challenges, especially with the number of academic units he needed to complete.
The Commission on Higher Education's Tulong Dunong Program, supported by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go in his role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, has helped him stay focused on his goal of becoming an educator.
He said the assistance has been significant, as he has many units to pay for, and it helps him stay on track to graduate from college.
Garland also expressed gratitude to Senator Bong Go for supporting programs that assist students like him, emphasizing how these initiatives provide opportunities for those determined to finish their studies despite financial difficulties.
"Ang mensahe ko lang kay Kuya Senator Bong Go ay sana mas marami pa siyang matulungan at magpatuloy ang ganitong programa. Dahil kami na umaasa sa mga ganitong programa, walang imposible para sa amin at patuloy lang kami sa pag-aaral. Maraming salamat po (My message to Kuya Senator Bong Go is that I hope he can help more people and that programs like this continue. For those of us who rely on such programs, nothing is impossible, and we will continue with our studies. Thank you very much),” he expressed.
Senator Go has long advocated for educational programs that empower youth, recognizing education as a vital tool for poverty alleviation and national development.
The passage of Republic Act No. 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, reflects Go's commitment to supporting Filipinos during crises. As a co-sponsor and co-author of the law, Go helped ensure that students with existing loans would receive temporary financial relief during emergencies.
Earlier, Go also co-authored and co-sponsored several laws, including RA 11510, which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System to improve education for underserved students; RA 11984, the "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act"; RA 12006, the "Free College Entrance Examinations Act"; and RA 11997, the "Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act."