The first batch of beneficiaries under Project TIKAS (Tungo sa Integrasyon ng Karunungan at Abilidad ng mga Student IPs) gathered for a kumustahan session on April 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NN at the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) Infanta Campus.
The activity aimed to assess the students’ current academic status and identify their ongoing needs. The participants, all first-year college students, engaged in a roundtable discussion in which they openly shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations.
During the session, the students collectively expressed their heartfelt gratitude for Project TIKAS. They shared that the program served as a venue for the realization of their dreams, especially for first-generation college students in their families.
“Nagbigay ito sa amin ng pagkakataong matupad ang aming pangarap na makapag-aral sa kolehiyo,” shared one of the beneficiaries.
They emphasized that because of the project, they no longer worry about financial constraints, made possible through its strong collaboration with government agencies, non-government organizations, and private individuals. Some students also shared that they have been able to save from their grants and even extend support to their families. However, they were gently reminded to prioritize expenses directly related to their education.
The kumustahan was led by Dr. Noreen P. Echague, Project Leader and DAP Scholar. She was joined by key university officials, including Dr. Frederick T. Villa, University President; Ms. Maritess O. Villa, Officer-in-Charge of the Presidential Management Coordinating Office; Dr. Violeto N. Coronacion, Campus Director of SLSU Infanta; and Asst. Prof. Jan Marie P. Lubuguin, Program Chair of BS Mathematics and Focal Person for IP students.
President Villa shared his personal journey, emphasizing that poverty is not a barrier to achieving one’s dreams. His story resonated deeply with the students and further energized the session. The gathering became even more meaningful as the IP students offered a heartfelt performance of the song “Patuloy ang Pangarap,” symbolizing their perseverance and hope.
Dr. Coronacion also highlighted additional needs of the IP students, including the repair and improvement of the dormitory where some of them reside. Following the discussion, President Villa personally visited the dormitory to see the students’ living conditions.
The IP students expressed great joy and inspiration from meeting the university president, noting that his message strengthened their determination to continue striving for their goals.
The kumustahan served not only as a monitoring activity but also as a space for connection, encouragement, and reaffirmation of the university’s commitment to inclusive and accessible education through Project TIKAS.
During the session, the students collectively expressed their heartfelt gratitude for Project TIKAS. They shared that the program served as a venue for the realization of their dreams, especially for first-generation college students in their families.
“Nagbigay ito sa amin ng pagkakataong matupad ang aming pangarap na makapag-aral sa kolehiyo,” shared one of the beneficiaries.
They emphasized that because of the project, they no longer worry about financial constraints, made possible through its strong collaboration with government agencies, non-government organizations, and private individuals. Some students also shared that they have been able to save from their grants and even extend support to their families. However, they were gently reminded to prioritize expenses directly related to their education.
The kumustahan was led by Dr. Noreen P. Echague, Project Leader and DAP Scholar. She was joined by key university officials, including Dr. Frederick T. Villa, University President; Ms. Maritess O. Villa, Officer-in-Charge of the Presidential Management Coordinating Office; Dr. Violeto N. Coronacion, Campus Director of SLSU Infanta; and Asst. Prof. Jan Marie P. Lubuguin, Program Chair of BS Mathematics and Focal Person for IP students.
President Villa shared his personal journey, emphasizing that poverty is not a barrier to achieving one’s dreams. His story resonated deeply with the students and further energized the session. The gathering became even more meaningful as the IP students offered a heartfelt performance of the song “Patuloy ang Pangarap,” symbolizing their perseverance and hope.
Dr. Coronacion also highlighted additional needs of the IP students, including the repair and improvement of the dormitory where some of them reside. Following the discussion, President Villa personally visited the dormitory to see the students’ living conditions.
The IP students expressed great joy and inspiration from meeting the university president, noting that his message strengthened their determination to continue striving for their goals.
The kumustahan served not only as a monitoring activity but also as a space for connection, encouragement, and reaffirmation of the university’s commitment to inclusive and accessible education through Project TIKAS.
Article: Noreen P. Echague
Photos: Ms. Maritess O. Villa
Layout: SMRRivere
Photos: Ms. Maritess O. Villa
Layout: SMRRivere