MORE than 9,000 Ilonggos attended the largest gathering of college scholars in Iloilo City’s history yesterday during the GUGMA FMR Scholarship General Assembly, organized by House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo City Lone District Congresswoman Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda.
Arriving as early as 5 a.m., 4,500 college scholars, accompanied by their parents or guardians, gathered at the University of San Agustin gymnasium for the event.
The assembly was attended by notable figures, including former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, ACT-CIS Party-list’s Congressman Erwin Tulfo, Congressman Edvic Yap, former Public Safety and Transportation Management Office head James Conlu, former city councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog, City Councilor Urminico “Doc Nick” Baronda Jr., who represented former Councilor Love-Love Baronda, and Pastor Stanley “Big Bro” Flores, Baronda’s spokesperson.
Addressing the scholars under the Commission on Higher Education’s Tulong Dunong Program (CHED-TDP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Educational Assistance Program, Congresswoman Baronda emphasized the transformative power of education. She urged the students to stay focused on their studies and work hard to achieve their dreams of earning a college degree.
“I want to make sure nga matuman ang handum sang mga pamatan-on nga maka eskwela kag maka graduate para makuha nila ang ila handum sa pangabuhi. I want to continue this legacy. We, your leaders, want to become part of the solution,” Baronda said, speaking before a crowd of over 9,000.
Despite the heavy rain, the scholars and their families remained undeterred, braving the weather to attend the historic assembly. Baronda apologized to those who may have been inconvenienced by the rain and expressed her gratitude for their unwavering commitment.
“This is the biggest number of scholars in the history of Iloilo City. Nalipay gid kita kag mangayo ko pasaylo sa mga scholars na naulanan. Ginatinguhaan naton nga maging organize ini nga proyekto,” said Baronda.
Her words resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring the scholars to persevere in their educational journey despite the challenges. She reminded them that their responsibility was to study hard and seize the opportunity provided to them.
“Sa mga pamatan-on nga tagaan naton sang kahigayunan nga makatapos sang ila pag-eskwela to achieve their dreams. It is your obligation to study hard para matagaan tsansa nga makatapos sa inyo pag-eskwela,” Baronda added.
Baronda also posed a question to the crowd, asking if she should continue her work of spreading love and service to the city. The scholars and attendees responded with an enthusiastic “yes,” reaffirming their support for her leadership.
“Ang sabat sa konsensya ko, mabudlay, mabug-at magbungo sa pader. The Ilonggos inspired me to do good, to do more, kag magpadayon. It is you, bata, tigulang. Kamo nag-inspire sa akon,” said Baronda.
Former Mayor Mabilog then took the stage, delighting the audience with his rendition of the classic song “Kailangan Kita.” His performance reignited the energy of the crowd, adding a nostalgic and heartfelt moment to the event.
During his speech, Mabilog took the opportunity to highlight the need to stand against the threats, intimidation, bullying and massive corruption including the most criticized Real Property Tax increase and the city’s increasing debt under its current leadership, contrasting it with his time in office.
“Mga hinigugma ko nga mga utod nga mga Ilonggo, ang aton nga na agyan sang nagligad sa aton pinalangga nga syudad kag pungsod ang pagpamapahog, pag daug-daug, wala sang ligwa, may kahadluk, kag puno sang utang, kag wala tupong ang balayran,” said Mabilog.
Despite his criticisms, Mabilog expressed optimism about the city’s future, crediting Baronda’s leadership and “Gugma” (love) for creating a brighter path forward.
Meanwhile, ACT-CIS Congressman Erwin Tulfo encouraged Ilonggos to continue supporting Baronda in the upcoming elections, emphasizing that her re-election would ensure the continuation of her priority projects aimed at improving the lives of Ilonggos.
“Lahat ng mga programa at mga proyektong ito ay hindi maisakatuparan kung iba siguro ang congressman natin. Kaya dapat next year, si Congresswoman Baronda pa ang magtuloy-tuloy ng mga programang nasimulan niya,” Tulfo added.
The Gugma-FMR Scholarship Program, facilitated through Baronda’s office in collaboration with House Speaker Martin Romualdez, provides financial assistance to deserving college students from underprivileged families. It reflects Baronda’s commitment to improving access to education, especially for marginalized communities.
Under the program, 3,607 scholars will receive P7,500 per semester from CHED, totaling P15,000 annually, while the other scholars will receive P7,500 per semester from DSWD. Additionally, Baronda distributed P5,000 each to CHED beneficiaries and their parents/guardians.
This initiative is part of Baronda’s broader advocacy, “Gugma ko H.O.P.E. Mo,” with education at its core, aiming to empower the city’s youth to achieve their academic and career goals and contribute to Iloilo City’s growth and progress./PN
