By Rachel Magday

 

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Eleven college students with disabilities in Nueva Vizcaya have received educational assistance from the provincial government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) under its Tulong Dunong Program.

The beneficiaries, who study at various tertiary institutions across the province, were personally handed their assistance by Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito.

He commended the students for pursuing higher education despite their disabilities and urged them to complete their degrees. “Finish your studies; that is the key to improving and uplifting your life. When you graduate, come here and apply for a job, and if I am still the governor, you will be given priority for employment,” Gambito said.

One beneficiary, Angelo Gabriel Patawig, a political science student at St Mary’s University in Bayombong, expressed gratitude, noting that he has been a regular recipient of the Tulong Dunong educational assistance from his first year until now as a graduating student.

He said the support has been a significant help, especially since his parents do not have stable livelihoods. Patawig advised fellow students with disabilities not to be defined by physical limitations:

“Do not dwell on our physical limitations. My mindset is that I am normal and can do everything to achieve my dreams.”

The Tulong Dunong Program aims to support at least the partial cost of tertiary education, including education-related expenses of its grantees.