Tarlac State University formally welcomed its first visually impaired students, championing inclusivity on Friday (July 10) at the Office of the University President.
Marvin David Gamasa, a 20-year-old BS Education major in English student, and Andrei Helric Pangilinan, an 18-year-old BA Communication student, each received PHP 7,000 for book allowance and stipend for the first semester of Academic Year 2026-2027.
The grant is awarded through the Differently-Abled Individuals Scholarship Program, an internal scholarship initiative funded by the university.
Gamasa, an honor student who came from Sto. Cristo Integrated School in Tarlac City, said he wants to be referred to as Persons with Dreams rather than being labeled as a Person with Disability. He said he wants to inspire other students through words and music.
“Feeling ko po mas magiging malaya ako rito at ma-e-explore ang creativity compared noong elementary ako, lakasan lang po ng loob,” he shared in an interview.
Gamasa has joined braille reading competitions and singing contests like National Disability rights week, coveting gold medals.
“No special treatment but reasonable accommodation,” Gamasa told OPA.
While Pangilinan, a paralympic athlete, joined Central Luzon Athletic Association thrice securing gold medals in 100-meter dash (track and field).
“Hindi ko po ito pangarap para sa sarili ko kundi para sa mga katulad ko pong differently-abled students lalo na po sa mga fellow blind and visually impaired students, “
University President Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza said that if Gamasa graduates and passes the licensure examination, he would hire him to teach at the university and will start to open the Bachelor of Special Needs Education (BSNEd).
According to Pres. Mendoza, one of his visions is to have an inclusive university that supports willing students. He recalled that during his stint as dean of the College of Education, one of his dreams is to include differently abled and marginalized students in the college. He once aimed to establish the BSNEd program to empower more special needs students in the future.
Mr. Allan Santos, International, Differently Abled, Indigenous, and Marginalized Student Services (IDIMSS) Head, said they are using Non-Visual Desktop Access as a guide in their studies. He said their office is maximizing all efforts to improve the students’ welfare and inclusivity.
He also added that they are welcome to stay in the IDIMSS office to rest and print documents needed for learning.
