City of San Fernando, Pampanga— The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Pampanga, distributed financial assistance to 1,674 students from private schools across the province through the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP).
The event was held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center on September 12. Dr. J. Prospero de Vera III, CHED chairman, led the distribution of ₱7,500 to each beneficiary from Guagua National Colleges, Holy Cross College, Mary the Queen College, and Santa Rita College.
“Itong tulong namin ay para bigyan kayo ng pagkakataon to achieve your dreams. Ang commitment namin sa inyo, tutulungan kayo ng pamahalaan until you finish,” de Vera said.
Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda thanked Dr. de Vera and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for supporting the youth. He also urged the students to use the financial aid wisely and focus on paying for their school needs.
“‘Yung makukuha niyong tulong, ang pakiusap ko, i-prioritize niyo muna ang mga babayaran sa school para mabawasan ang bayarin ng mga magulang niyo,” Gov. Delta said.
Jasmin Meneses, one of the student beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude for the program, stressing how it helps ease the financial burden on students.
“Isang malaking tulong ito sa amin as students, kasi ‘di biro ang tuition fee sa mga school. ‘Yung cash na makukuha namin dito, matic mapupunta ‘yon sa tuition namin. Kung may matira man, gagamitin din namin sa pag-aaral kahit kaunti lang. Malaking tulong ito sa amin at sa mga magulang namin, makakapag-focus kami nang hindi namin iniisip ang financial,” she said.
The TDP is a financial assistance initiative under CHED that aims to support students from low-income families by providing aid to cover tuition and other educational expenses. The program is part of CHED’s commitment to making higher education more accessible and equitable for all students, particularly those enrolled in private institutions.