USM Students with Special Needs Receive Cash Assistance from Tulong Dunong Program

One hundred thirty-three students with special needs of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) received the ₱7, 500 cash grants from the Tulong Dunong Program on May 6, 2026 at the University Commercial Building, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.

Ms. Quenielyn L. Durendes, Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF), attended the activity as the representative of USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel. In her message, she reminded the students to do well in their studies, especially as scholars supported by the government.

“As scholars ng bayan, you represent an investment made by every hardworking Filipino taxpayer; the best expression of gratitude you can offer is to become responsible citizen,” the VPAF underscored. 

In his message, Renel Gaspar, a 3rd year Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) student, expressed his gratitude for the cash assistance he received. For him it helped a lot in completing his thesis while also supporting his two children. He shared that balancing studies, work, and parenting has been difficult for him. Despite these challenges, he said he feels thankful for being identified by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and for programs that continue to support students like him. He said he ambitions to finish college and continue to support his family after college. 

The identified students with special needs in the university are those who are members of the Indigenous Peoples Community, Persons with Disability, solo-parents, Survivors of Violence, Orphans, Balik-Aral, and residents from geographically isolated areas.

The identification of scholars and the distribution of cash grants is led by the Scholarship Department headed by Dr. Shandra Gonsang, under the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) directed by Dr. Ma. Leida M. Donque.

The fund for this cash assistance was from the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) sponsored by Senator Loren Legarda.