Silver Lining: An Interview about NBCC Free Tuition

Northern Bukidnon Community College is one of the top 14 colleges in Region X,

Northern Mindanao that has a full tuition subsidy for students as of the year 2018, under the
Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act signed by our very own President
RodrigoDuterte. However, in accordance with this favorable moment, students are required to
render return of service while studying in college, stated by CHED Officer-in-charge, J. Prospero
de Vera III. Students who fail to adhere with this requirement are subjected to be excluded in the
scholarship program.
But wait, what is really the advantage of having a free tuition? It is boon or bane? As a
single mother, I can tell, it is really a great help. Studying while working is an additional expense
for me, thus the money intended supposedly for the tuition is allocated for something else which
is a great help.
In lieu with this sentiment, let’s hear some of the voices at NBCC. Let us hear out their
ideas and thoughts about the beauty of having a free tuition .
“As a mother, this free tuition program is a great help and opportunity
for me to study without worrying about my finances. I must say that not all
of us are blessed by wealth. I am one of the students were given the chance to
fulfill my dreams and goals in life. As a mother, I was beyond blessed to
enjoy this program because studying is one of the steps in reaching my dream
for my kids.” - Febre Mae Taguba( BSBA 2ndYr )
“Saako siguro dako gyud kayo siya nga tabang kay para saamoa
pobre ug ang ginikanan dili kayo maka support so this
free tuition helped me nga ma pursue ang akong gusto
nga mo graduate ug college, then buhaton naku akong
best para dili makaabusar sa gihatag nga panahon nga naa pay free tuition ug
dapat dili unta mawala nang free tuition.”- Edgar Daigan( BSBA 2nd Year )
“I was out from school for a decade and I
can't imagine how timely it was to implement this
free tuition just when I decided to pursue my
studies. Wow! Thank you, y salute to all the people
behind this free tuition. It's a blessing and a dream
come true for me and most specially for my
family.”- GendaCaverte( BSED-English )

“When I decided to continue my studies, I faced a lot of

struggles and challenges. There are times that I tend to give up
especially if the problem is about money. Being a mom and a student is not really that easy; you
should learn how to balance everything and be able to set your priorities but still has to focus on
my goals. There are instances that my trials pinched my inner self and somehow felt the guilt of
rejecting my education when there are chances being offered to me, but it’s a very long story to
tell. Well to make it short I am here still striving hard to have my dreamed diploma and wear that
black toga the soonest. When free tuition was implemented, we were very blessed then, the
burden was lessened and everything seems so easy, since tuition is not a problem anymore, so
there is no reason for us not to succeed. Free tuition is really a big help for us who are not that
blessed in terms of money, we have the chance to become what we dreamed of, so we must take
this opportunity to finish what we've started. One day this favor would be paid off through being
who we want to become and be able to share our knowledge and impart this to young minds as
their guide in their chosen field in the future.” - Jade Irish Rara( BSED Pre-school Education
Major )
“For me, it helps a lot, when it comes sa mga dgahang bayrunon such as projects,
photocopies that is really required. Wala na g’yud huna-hunaon nga
tuition that even though gamay ra ang tuition sa NBCC but lisud
gihapon mangita ug kwarta. It lessens the financial problem in the
family.” - Dejang Vente( BS - IT )
“Before it is such a problem when examination is coming
because of the payment on the tuition fees, I do not have time to study
for the reason that my family’s financial support is not enough .So I
have to do part time job to pay my tuition . Now, free tuition is very
helpful. No need for me to worry and I can focus on my study now.
My grades grew even higher and there was less hassle.” -Rex
Balendez (BS –IT)
The collective voices of the students of Northern Bukidnon
Community College express apparent gratitude towards the tuition
implementation mainly for the reason that it lifted our financial
burdens. Moreover, there were fewer requirements when it comes to
the signing of clearance aside from the academic responsibilities of
the students. It may be accurate that the tuition fee at NBCC is minute compared to other schools
but it does not take away the fact that it helps a lot of parents, working students and single
parents who are part of the population.