Five hundred forty-nine students from the fifth district of Pangasinan on November 14 received financial assistance from the Commission on Higher Education Tulong Dunong Program through the initiative of Congressman Ramon V. Guico III during the Awarding Ceremony held at the Ramon J. Guico Sr. Sports and Civic Center.
This financial assistance worth Php 7,500 given to each of the deserving students from Alcala, Bautista, Binalonan, Laoac, Pozorrubio, Sison, Sto. Tomas, Villasis, and Urdaneta City is a part of the Grants-in-Aid Program of the Tulong Dunong Scholarship Program.
Representing Congressman Ramon V. Guico III was Ms. Maan Tuazon Guico, the first lady of the 5th District of Pangasinan and the directress of the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. (CSFI) for Region I.
In her message, she infcrmed everyone that her husband has the full support of the Ched’s Tulong-Dunong Program. Feeling happy to be with the recipients from the 5th District of Pangasinan she commended on the role of the Ched in giving quality and affordable education through its scholarship programs.
“Congressman Guico believes on the importance of education. It is a long term investment”, she emphasized. “In fact your Congressman has already proposed bills in education for the interest of the youth.”
Ms. Maan also mentioned that the 5thDistrict of Pangasinan is the first to make a pay-out to scholars in Region I which is just a proof of the congressman’s concern and selfless service to the youth of the district.
Binalonan Vice Mayor Melicio Patague II, welcomed all the CHED officials of Region I, the recipients and their parents. In behalf of Mayor Ramon N. Guico Jr. he challenged the students to make the best of this opportunity given to them to finish their education for a brighter future.
The vice mayor said, “If today is pay-out time, there should also be a payback time. After graduation, return the favour given by the government. Give back good service several years later when you will be employed. Give back the honor and glory to your school. Give back to your parents. Give back to the 5th District of Pangasinan. Pay back to one’s self and become positive contributors of the society. Your education is the key to your success. This will make you free from the bondage of poverty.”
Also present during the awarding were CHED ROI officials, UEP President, Dr. Evelyn A. tomboc, UEP’s Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jose Padillo, Councilors Glory Jovelyn Manaois, Dr. Josephine Caburnay, Dr. Noel Apolinario Bautista, Bryan Louie Balangue, SK president, Ronald Biado and parents of the beneficiaries.
Barely 2 weeks ago, the awarding of notice of awards was made on October 29 to student-recipients of the program in the 5th District.
The CHED- Tulong Dunong Scholarship is a Grants-in Aid (GIA) under the Student Financial Assistance programs (STuFAPS) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).