In a continued effort to empower students with the knowledge and resources necessary for academic success and financial stability, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) recently hosted a Financial Literacy Training Seminar and Orientation for new Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) and Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) grantees, followed by the grant distribution for Batches 12, 13, and 13.1 today, December 20, held at the university gymnasium. 

The Tulong Dunong Program, a key initiative of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931), aims to provide educational assistance to the poorest students in the country, enabling them to pursue higher education without the financial burden.

BiPSU-Unifast believed that academic success alone is not enough to guarantee long-term financial security, but understanding the importance of financial management, thus  organizing this event to equip grantees with essential tools for responsible financial decision-making is necessary. 

The program kicked off with a welcome message from Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco, vice-president for Administration and Finance, who emphasized three steps in managing the stipend– save first, invest in growth and track expenses.

Vice President Pelesco also highlighted that the scholarships are not just financial aid but an investment in the students' future. He urged the scholars to see their stipends as an opportunity to contribute to society, stressing that their education is a right supported by the Filipino people. “Your scholarship is more than financial support; it is an investment the Filipino people are making in your future,” he stressed.

The event  featured the Financial Literacy Training conducted by Sheila D. Lapinid, licensed financial adviser, who shared valuable insights on “Smart Money Management for Students: Building a Strong Financial Foundation.” 

Said training aimed to provide students with practical knowledge on budgeting, saving, investing, and avoiding common financial pitfalls, ensuring they could make informed decisions throughout their academic journey.

Following the training, Ms. Sheila C. Salentes, UniFAST Focal Person Designate, provided an orientation on the Tulong Dunong and TES programs, explaining the benefits, guidelines, and responsibilities of the grantees.

The TES grant distribution for a total of 1,364 grantees from Batches 12, 13, and 13.1 will be officially awarded this afternoon.

University Cashier Ammabelle Sabagkit disclosed that a total of ₱13,640,000.00 will be distributed, with each grantee receiving ₱10,000.00. The distribution includes 89 grantees from the new TES Batch 13 for SY 2023-2024 1st semester, 411 grantees from the ongoing TES Batch 12 and 13 for the 2nd semester, and 864 grantees from the TES Listahan 13.1 for the 1st semester of SY 2023-2024.

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[This news article aligns with SDG No. 1: No Poverty and SDG No. 4: Quality Education]