QUEZON, Bukidnon – For fourth-year college student Darwin Molejon, breaking a cycle of
financial hardship begins with a single degree and the hope of becoming the first college
graduate in his family.

Darwin, the fourth of seven siblings, has watched his family stretch limited resources to keep his
education on track. Now in the final stretch of his studies, his long-held dream within reach,
supported by the Presidential Scholars Program.
He is one of 155 student-beneficiaries across 31 barangays in Quezon, Bukidnon, who received
the grant.
Speaking to the graduating college students at the Municipal Complex, Executive Secretary
Ralph Recto led the orientation. He explained that each scholar receives P20,000 in educational
assistance from the Office of the President under the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF).
“Under the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang initiative, each barangay receives P200,000 – allocating
P100,000 for five Presidential Scholars at P20,000 each, and P100,000 for community
development priorities,” Recto said.

To ensure fair access, the executive secretary said that barangays select graduating students from
low-income households, prioritizing those who need support to remain in school while excluding
current scholarship recipients.
Recto emphasized the wide reach of government assistance for tertiary education, saying that
millions of students benefit from state-funded schooling.
“Sa kolehiyo, may free college tayo para sa mahigit 6.3 milyon na estudyante. Sila ay bahagi
lang ng milyun-milyong mga kabataang Pilipino na ang pag-aaral ay tinutustusan—buo man o
bahagya—ng inyong pamahalaan,” Recto said.
(In higher education, over 6.3 million students benefit from free college tuition. They are part of
millions of young Filipinos whose studies are fully or partially funded by the government.)
For Darwin, the assistance came at a critical stage, lifting a heavy financial weight off his
family’s shoulders during his senior year.
“I am deeply grateful to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for providing scholarships to students
who need financial assistance for their education. I hope programs like this continue because
they give young people from struggling families a real chance to stay in school and build a better
future,” Darwin said.
He added that the P20,000 grant is a vital lifeline, especially in covering thesis expenses.
“This is proof that hardship does not have to end a dream. If I become the first college graduate
in my family, the achievement will also belong to my parents and siblings who shared in the
sacrifices behind my studies, a reminder that one child’s education can become a source of hope
for an entire family,” Darwin said. (Bernadith G. Epan/PIA-10/Bukidnon)