By: Delaila Irma T. Calindas, Project Technical Staff II

The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR), in partnership with the Congressional District of Baguio led by Hon. Mark Go, warmly welcomed the newest batch of Tulong Dunong Program grantees during an orientation held on December 20, 2024, at the P. Burgos Covered Court in Baguio City.

A total of 77 aspiring scholars, now official grantees for the 2nd Semester of Academic Year 2023–2024, participated in the event. The orientation familiarised them with their roles and responsibilities as grantees. To formalize their inclusion in the program, grantees received and signed their Notices of Award, a milestone marking their first step toward brighter futures.

Hon. Mark Go, a passionate advocate for accessible education, delivered an inspiring keynote address. He emphasized the life-changing power of education and encouraged the grantees to pursue their college degrees with determination. As a co-author of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act No. 10931), Rep. Go reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive higher education, highlighting how this groundbreaking legislation has made free tuition a reality for countless students in state universities and colleges across the nation.

This milestone event underscores the unwavering dedication of CHED-CAR and its partners to creating opportunities for Cordillera youth. By empowering the youth through education, they continue to pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future.