South Cotabato, Philippines — Ensuring that no student is left behind, Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. continues to strengthen his commitment to free education through a private-public partnership, which allows thousands of students to pursue higher learning despite financial constraints.
The national government’s scholarship under UNIFAST only caters to 8,000 to 10,000 students, while South East Asian Institution of Technology, Inc. (SEAIT) alone currently has 20,000 enrollees.
“Ang national government ay tuloy-tuloy pa ring isinusulong ang mga programa patungkol sa scholarship,” Governor Tamayo said. “Ngunit hindi pa kaya na lahat ay maging scholar dahil sa kakulangan sa pondo.”
To address the lack of budget to support all scholars, Governor Tamayo has collaborated with private institutions to sustain free education for all.
“Kaya’t merong private-public partnership dito sa South Cotabato para ma-address yung mga kakulangan at matiyak na mapapanitili ang free education mula elementarya hanggang kolehiyo,” he added.
With free education in South Cotabato for the past 15 years, the province has already produced between 30,000 and 40,000 young professionals, and for two consecutive years, 20,000 fresh graduates have secured employment.
While the program is primarily designed for South Cotabateños, it also welcomes students from neighboring provinces and even those from outside the region.
“Marami tayong scholars from other provinces,” Governor Tamayo shared. “Merong scholars from Sultan Kudarat, from Saranggani, even outside the region, sa BARMM area, and sa Zamboanga, meron na ding pumupunta dito para mag-aral sa kolehiyo.”
Governor Tamayo reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to free education, which opens doors of opportunity to those students who seek a better future for themselves and the province.
“Nung naging gobernador ako sa lalawigan ng South Cotabato, hindi lang naman taga South Cotabato ang pinapaaral natin sa kolehiyo,” Governor Tamayo said. “Kahit sa labas ng probinsya, talagang ginagawan natin ng paraan na makakatulong tayo sa kung sino man ang gustong lumapit sa ating lalawigan.”
With the province’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, South Cotabato proves that through dedication, collaboration, and innovation, free education can be a reality for all.
