Nation

LAWMAKER SEEKS WIDER ACCESS TO CHED SCHOLARSHIPS, FLAGS DELAYS IN TULONG DUNONG PROGRAM

/ 30 August 2025

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has urged the Commission on Higher Education to address reported delays in releasing grants under the Tulong Dunong Program and to strengthen efforts in promoting scholarship opportunities for students nationwide.

Go noted that many students remain unaware of support programs, such as the merit-based Tertiary Education Subsidy and the more accessible TDP, which does not require maintaining a certain grade average as long as students pass their courses.

“Marami pong scholarship programs ang CHED na maaaring ma-avail ng ating college students… We have to promote these scholarships dahil baka hindi lang alam ng mga college students na may mga ganitong programa,” Go said.

He stressed that the lack of awareness prevents students from applying for benefits that could help them finish their degrees, adding that more aggressive information campaigns are needed.

Go also sought clarification on whether TDP grants continue uninterrupted once a student qualifies, recalling that the program previously provided consistent support until graduation.

At the same time, he flagged complaints that some beneficiaries have waited up to one or two years before receiving their financial aid.

“‘Yung iba po, naka-graduate na ang estudyante bago nila na-receive ang grant. Kailangan nila immediately po ang assistance mula sa CHED,” he said.

The senator emphasized that every scholarship grant has a transformative impact, not only on the life of a student and their family but also on the country’s future.

“Tungkulin nating tiyakin na walang kabataang Pilipino ang mapipilitang tumigil sa pag-aaral dahil lamang sa kahirapan,” he added.