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.
Notable figures in attendance included former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, ACT-CIS Partylist Congressman Erwin Tulfo, Congressman Edvic Yap, James Conlu, former City Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog, City Councilor Urminico “Doc Nick” Baronda Jr., representing 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 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 sang mga scholars na naulanan. Gina-tinguhaan naton nga maging organize ini nga proyekto,” Baronda said.
Her words resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring the scholars to persevere in their educational journey despite 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,” she 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 Jed Patrick 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 highlighted the need to stand against threats, intimidation, bullying, and massive corruption, including the heavily criticized Real Property Tax increase and the city’s growing debt under its current leadership, contrasting it with his time in office.
“Mga hinigugma ko nga mga utod nga mga Ilonggo, ang aton nga naagyan 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,” Mabilog said.
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 maisasakatuparan 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 PHP 7,500 per semester from CHED, totaling PHP 15,000 annually, while other scholars will receive PHP 7,500 per semester from DSWD. Additionally, Baronda distributed PHP 5,000 each to CHED beneficiaries and their parents or guardians.
This initiative is part of Baronda’s broader advocacy, “Gugma ko H.O.P.E. Mo,” which centers on education and aims to empower the city’s youth to achieve their academic and career goals, contributing to Iloilo City’s growth and progress.
