The rising cost of training nearly put a halt to Marie Antonette Serafico’s nursing studies at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, but thanks to the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) — a scholarship program supported by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go — she has been able to stay in school and focus on reaching her dream.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Go has been one of the proponents of making higher education more accessible for students like Serafico.
“Kung paano po nakakatulong ‘yung TDP scholarship sa akin, pinangbabayad ko po ito ng RLE fee para sa aming mga nursing students,” she said, referring to the Related Learning Experience required for nursing students.
The TDP is a national initiative that provides financial aid to qualified Filipino students, making it possible for those from low‑income families to pursue and complete their college degrees. Through the initiative, students can pursue careers in nursing, engineering, teaching, and other fields vital to the nation’s future.
Serafico says she intends to make the most of the support she has been given.
“Gagamitin ko pa rin po ulit ‘yung matatanggap ko pong scholarship grant para po ulit ipambayad po at ipagpatuloy po ‘yung aking pangarap sa pag‑aaral,” she added.
Serafico expressed her gratitude to those making this possible. “Mensahe ko po kay Senator Kuya Bong Go, maraming, maraming salamat po sa binigay niya pong pagkakataon sa amin at sana po mas marami pa po siyang matulungan,” she said.
For Senator Go, this is precisely why such efforts matter. He has worked to ensure that students like Serafico have a chance to finish their studies and build careers.
“Sipag, malasakit, at more serbisyo po ang maiaalay ko sa kapwa nating Pilipino. Hindi ko po sasayangin ang inyong tiwala at wala po akong sasayanging oras. Unang araw pa lang po ng termino ko ay serbisyo sa Pilipino na po ang aking ginagawa,” said Go during his proclamation speech.
For Serafico and countless others, this initiative goes beyond financial aid — it is a pathway to a better future, built on hard work, resilience, and a chance worth fighting for.
“Edukasyon ang susi sa mas magandang kinabukasan at ang ating mga kabataan ang future leaders at pag-asa ng ating bayan. Gagawin ko po ang aking makakaya upang masuportahan sila,” Go assured.