For years, every day of work was an investment in a dream for Roberto Gonzales. As a farmer and barangay tanod, he did whatever he could to keep his son in school, believing that education would give him opportunities that poverty could not.
Like many Filipino parents, the journey was not without sacrifice. There were days when earning enough for school expenses meant borrowing money or finding other ways to make ends meet. Yet giving up was never an option.
That burden became lighter when Roberto’s son, Ulysses Gonzales, an incoming fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Office Administration student for School Year 2026–2027, was selected as a Bagong Pilipinas Presidential Scholar.
For Ulysses, the scholarship came at a time when financial challenges had become one of the biggest obstacles to completing his education.
“Actually marami pong hamon, pero bilang scholar po ngayon, ang pinakakonektado sa pagiging scholar ay yung kakulangan sa financial. Marami naman pong mag-a-agree sa akin na sa mga estudyante, pinakapagsubok talaga yung kakulangan sa financial,” he said.
One experience remains vivid in his memory. While preparing for their thesis defense, he and his classmates struggled to pay for the printing of their 59-page manuscript while meeting other school requirements.
“Noong time na magde-defense po kami, yung paper namin umabot ng 59 pages. Talagang napakamahal dahil sa ink, sa kuryente. Hirap po kami kasi sabay-sabay po yung mga dapat bayaran namin sa school,” Ulysses recounted.
Receiving educational assistance eased part of that burden and allowed him to focus more on completing his studies. More importantly, it strengthened his determination to help the people who had sacrificed the most for his education.
“Gusto ko makatulong sa pamilya ko…gusto ko ma-provide yung mga pangangailangan nila—clothes, pagkain, at yung mga bills na kailangang bayaran,” he shared.
Having once dreamed of becoming a scholar himself, Ulysses hopes his story encourages other young Filipinos to pursue their education despite life’s challenges.
“Huwag kayong matakot na magtanong. Wala kang mararating kung nahihiya ka. Kaya tayo nag-aaral para matuto,” the scholar urged.
He also expressed gratitude for the assistance extended not only to him but to fellow student beneficiaries.
“I am very grateful [to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.] for the financial assistance na binigay ninyo po sa akin at sa iba pang mga estudyante,” he said.
For Roberto, seeing his son’s hard work rewarded was a moment of pride and relief.
“Bilang ama na nagpapaaral sa kanya, masaya ako. Malaking kabawasan ito sa pag-iisip kung papaano kumita ng pera para mapag-aral ko siya,” he said.
His dream has always been simple—to see his children graduate and become prepared for the future.
“Bilang isang magulang, pangarap ko na mapagtapos ko sila sa pag-aaral, hindi sila mahirapan sa darating na panahon at buhay,” Roberrto shared.
He knows firsthand the struggles many parents endure just to keep their children in school.
“Minsan wala, minsan hanggang doon sa mahihiram ka lang. Gagawa ka ng paraan para maitaguyod mo sila,” he added.
With the educational assistance received by his son, Roberto expressed hope that more students from low-income families will also be given the opportunity to finish their education.
“Ako po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat… sana po ay maipagpatuloy pa lalo [itong tulong ni Presidente Bongbong Marcos], lalo na sa mga nangangarap na makapagtapos ang ating mga kabataan,” Roberto said.
The story of the Gonzales family reflects the challenges faced by many Filipino households, where parents work tirelessly and students persevere despite financial hardships.
While determination remains essential, opportunities such as scholarship assistance help ensure that hard work is met with the support needed to succeed.
For Ulysses, the scholarship represents more than financial aid. It is a reminder that behind every student’s success is a family’s sacrifice, and that when education is made more accessible, its benefits extend beyond the classroom—creating opportunities that can improve not only one life, but the future of an entire family. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
