SENATOR Christopher ‘Bong’ Go reaffirmed his support for the Commission on Higher Education’s Tulong Dunong Program.

The program, designed to provide financial assistance to indigent students seeking higher education opportunities, has been a critical pathway for many to pursue their academic dreams.

The senator’s advocacy and efforts have not gone unnoticed.

One of the program’s beneficiaries, Christine Yanga, a 4th-year graduating student of BS Criminology studying at the University of Perpetual Help System in Calamba City, Laguna, gave her utmost gratitude towards Go and his efforts to support her collegiate education through CHED’s scholarship program.

During the school’s Recognition Day, Yanga, the daughter of a solo parent, recounted her experiences and hardships before being a beneficiary of the TDP.

She unfolded how she used to sell food inside the campus to fund her education.

“Second year college, first sem po nung una po akong nakatanggap ng grant from TDP, at sobrang laking tulong po nito sa akin dahil ang pinagkukuhanan ko lang po ng aking pang-tuition ay galing sa mga tinitinda ko pong pagkain, na hanggang ngayon po tinitinda ko pa rin sa aking mga kaklase at sa campus,” Yanga remarked.

Go, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, lauded the scholars for their hard-earned educational achievements.

He also highlighted the values of education and its vital role in pursuing national progress.

“Unang-una, isang karangalan po para sa akin na makasama kayo dito sa University of Perpetual Help (System) para ipagdiwang ang lahat ng mga achievements po ng ating mga scholars sa araw na ito… narito tayo ngayon upang kilalanin ang inyong pagsisikap at pagpupunyagi,” declared Go.

Go then reiterated that he is continuing his advocacy of improving access to education.

He highlighted that education should remain a priority for the government and that quality education should be accessible to all.