AS a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management student in World Citi Colleges Quezon City, Samantha Donaire’s dream of becoming a flight attendant was clear. But clarity wasn’t enough to pay for her tuition, cover the cost of field trips, or fund the uniforms and materials required for her course. For a student from a modest family in Quezon City, those hurdles seemed insurmountable.
Then came the lifeline that changed everything: the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Tulong Dunong Program (TDP), an initiative designed to support students which is supported by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as Chair of the Senate Youth committee.
The program provides scholarships that empower students to break through the barriers of financial hardship and pursue their ambitions.
“Nakatulong po ‘yung CHED TDP scholarship sa akin in a way na as a tourism student, marami po kasi kaming additional expenses such as tours and other things na kailangan po namin bilhin,” she explained. “With the help of the CHED TDP scholarship, mas nabibigyan po ako ng chance na matuloy ‘yung dream ko to become a flight attendant.”
Go has consistently supported scholarship programs recognizing the transformative power of education. He emphasized the importance of empowering the next generation through education, understanding that these are instrumental in leveling the playing field for underprivileged students.
This advocacy is in line with Go’s legislative efforts, such as the recently enacted Republic Act No. 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, which he co-authored and co-sponsored to provide temporary relief for students with outstanding loans during emergencies.
His efforts also include co-authoring and co-sponsoring several significant laws, such as Republic Act No. 11510, or Institutionalizing the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to improve basic education delivery to underserved and disadvantaged student; RA 11984, or The “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act,” which ensures students are not barred from taking exams due to unpaid fees; RA 12006, or The “Free College Entrance Examinations Act,” waiving entrance exam fees for qualified top students in private higher educational institutions; and RA 11997, or The “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which increases teaching supply allowances for public school teachers.
Senator Go also co-authored Senate Bill No. 1360, which seeks to expand the tertiary education subsidy under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, enacted during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term. These legislative measures reflect his proactive approach to ensuring that students—regardless of socioeconomic background—can access quality education.
In her heartfelt message to Senator Go, Samantha expressed her gratitude: “First of all, thank you so much po for choosing me to be one of your scholars. Sobrang laking tulong po n’ya, hindi lang para sa akin kundi para na rin po sa pamilya namin. I’m hoping that you will continue to do this kind of legacy and I hope that it will reach other generations as well.”
“This scholarship will be one of the bridges para matupad ko po ‘yung pangarap ko,” she said, brimming with hope.
