MALITA, Davao Occidental – August 6, 2026 – The Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), through the Commission on Higher Education Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (CHED UniFAST), successfully conducted the Tulong Dunong Program for State Universities and Colleges (TDP-SUCs) Grantees (GAA 2025) Orientation Program for its student beneficiaries on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the SPAMAST Lecture Hall.
The orientation gathered 132 student beneficiaries who are set to receive a one-time educational assistance grant of ₱7,500 each, made possible through the funding allocation of the Office of Senator Lorna Regina “Loren” B. Legarda under the TDP-SUCs program.
The program formally opened with a welcome address from Ma’am Sheryl Mae P. Carbajosa, Director for Student Records and Admission, who warmly welcomed the grantees and emphasized the importance of making the most of the opportunity provided through the scholarship program.
The orientation proper was led by Mr. Ronnie Liwantang, Scholarship Coordinator, who presented the rationale of the Tulong Dunong Program and discussed the guidelines, responsibilities, and expectations of the student beneficiaries to ensure proper utilization of the financial assistance.
SPAMAST President Dr. Lynette A. Bontia also delivered an inspiring message, encouraging the scholars to remain committed to their studies and strive for academic excellence. She highlighted that educational assistance programs such as TDP-SUCs are vital investments in the future of Filipino youth and serve as pathways toward personal growth, professional success, and nation-building.
Adding inspiration to the event was a special video message from Senator Lorna Regina “Loren” B. Legarda, who congratulated the student grantees and encouraged them to value education as a powerful tool for transforming their lives, their families, and their communities. She reminded the beneficiaries to persevere in their academ
ic journey and maximize the opportunities made available through government scholarship programs.
The orientation concluded with the beneficiaries expressing their appreciation for the financial assistance, recognizing its significant contribution in helping ease educational expenses and enabling them to pursue their studies with greater confidence and determination.
Through initiatives such as the Tulong Dunong Program, SPAMAST, in partnership with CHED UniFAST and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, continues to uphold its commitment to making quality higher education more accessible and inclusive for deserving Filipino students.
This initiative advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by expanding access to tertiary education through financial assistance, while also contributing to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by providing equitable educational opportunities for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
