Tarlac State University’s Office of Gender and Development, in partnership with the Scholarship and Financial Assistance Unit, launched Project DIEMS today (November 17) at the ground floor of the Student Center, Lucinda Campus.
DIEMS, which means Diversity, Inclusivity, and Equality for the Marginalized Scholarship, is an initiative that aims to financially assist students who are differently-abled, solo parents, indigent, and belonging to Indigenous Peoples communities. The selected students will be supported every semester until they graduate as long as they maintain passing grades without incurring any incomplete grade (INC).
TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco reminded the recipients how lucky they are to be chosen as scholars.
“Napakapalad po ninyo mga anak because wala pong scholarship noong time namin. Be a dreamer—walang dahilan para hindi ninyo matapos ang inyong pag-aaral. Huwag ninyong sayangin itong opportunity na binigay ng GAD sa inyo. The greatest gift that you can give your life is for you to finish your studies. Walang makakapag-limit sa mga pangarap ninyo,” he said in his message.
Vice presidents Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza and Atty. Gherold C. Benitez also shared words of support for the project.
Former OGAD Director Dr. Rita E. Pulmano, the initiative’s main proponent, shared that she pushed for the approval of the DIEMS project before her retirement.
“Although retired na ko, andito pa din ako supporting this project and all the advocacies and endeavors of the Gender and Development Office,” she said.
Moreover, she also imparted words of encouragement to the marginalized students.
“We all experienced the same struggles when we were studying, but we did not stop. Those struggles, those experiences have made us stronger. ‘Yun ‘yung mga ginamit nating paraan to continue life and to say to ourselves na, ‘Malalampasan mo ‘yan. Darating ang panahon, magiging maganda din ang buhay ko.’ But never compare yourself to others,” she reminded.
Dr. Pulmano was invited to give a seminar on gender equality. She talked about SDG 5 (Gender Equality), including its targets and goals, barriers, and driving progress towards gender equality.
In her closing remarks, OGAD OIC-Director Prof. Christine Janelle M. Santiago said this scholarship is one of the ways that will bridge the gap between inequality and development.
“This is not just a program but a promise that no learner will be left behind—that every dream deserves a chance, that opportunity must never be determined by any circumstance. Let this opportunity fuel your determination na maabot natin ang ating pangarap. You are not defined kung saan ka nanggaling,” she said.
Present also in the event are Student Affairs and Services Institutional Student Program and Services Asst. Director Dr. Dexter Manzano, SFAU OIC-Head Ms. Sarah Gonzales, OGAD Unit Head Prof. Jovy Tomas, and representatives from the Cashiering Unit. (jlm-OPA)
Photo: Eduardo F. Laxamana Jr.
