On 2 December 2025, the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) in Masbate, Philippines, released financial subsidies and held an orientation for scholars under the Tulong Dunong Program–Tertiary Education Subsidy (TDP–TES) and the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES). The activity supports SDG 1: No Poverty by providing schemes to support poor students through grants.
Financial hardship is a major barrier to higher education. For students from low-income families, the costs of transport, food, learning materials, and school requirements can make it hard to stay enrolled. DEBESMSCAT addresses this by administering TDP–TES and TES for its eligible students.
The activity was organised by the college’s Scholarship and Financial Assistance Office at the College Covered Court under the theme “Kumustahan kag Kamalayan: Usapan ng Iskolar ng Bayan. “ It combined the release of subsidies with an orientation that explained the purpose of the assistance and the responsibilities of scholars.
DEBESMSCAT President Dr. Arnel B. Millesca urged the scholars to use their subsidies wisely and responsibly, stressing that the assistance exists to support their academic growth and personal development. By helping eligible students meet the costs of study, these grants support continued enrollment, give students more opportunity to complete their degrees, and open a pathway to employment and long-term economic security. The activity reflects DEBESMSCAT’s commitment to schemes that support poor students so that financial hardship does not stop them from learning.
Ladies and gentlemen,
