Party-list group opposes cut in student assistant program

A partylist group representing the country’s educators yesterday joined senators in protesting the 328-million budgetary cut in the Tulong Dunong program, which gives financial assistance program to deserving students.

AVE Party-list Rep. Eulogio “Amang” Magsaysay said educators in the country are supporting Senator Grace Poe’s appeal for the restoration of the budgetary cuts in the Student Financial Assistance Program (StuFAPs) under the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Tulong Dunong program.

Instead, Poe urged government to increase the financial capacity of the program to pave the way for the program to extend educational assistance to more students.

AVE lauded Poe for raising the issue, saying that the move shows her genuine concern for the youth.

Magsaysay said the restoration of the budget reduction for the Tulong Dunong program is imperative in realizing government’s program to extend educational assistance to more deserving students.

“These scholarships are a means by which many of our youth are given opportunities to improve their lives and that of their families. The Tulong Dunong program, in particular, opens the door to college for sectors who otherwise would be hard-pressed to obtain college diplomas,” explained Magsaysay.

Under the program, graduating high school students, who may benefit from the financial help are with general weighted averages of at least 80% in their third year, and at least 80% in the first three grading periods of fourth year.

The scholarship can be availed of by qualified students, who are persons with disabilities (PWDs), children of single parents and their dependents, members of cultural minorities, members of the hill tribes or senior citizens.

In Nueva Ecija last week, the presidential frontrunner said that she would fight for the right of the Filipino youth to go to college and obtain their degrees.