MANILA – Popular radio hosts Nicole Hyala and Diego Bandido of Love Radio’s “Kumikinang na Tambalan” have expressed their admiration for former Senator Bam Aquino’s free college law, saying it has given countless students the opportunity to pursue higher education and secure a brighter future.

During their program’s January 28 episode, Hyala and Bandido, both former scholarship beneficiaries, shared their personal experiences and underscored the importance of accessible education.

“Ito ang nakakalungkot kung minsan. Maraming gustong mag-aral pero walang opportunity. Pero with that law, napakalaking bagay talaga. Sobra,” said Bandido.

Hyala echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the significance of education in changing lives. “Ang hirap mag-aral pero mas mahirap ang walang pinag-aralan. Kaya mas maganda na meron,” she said.

The radio personalities also recounted their journeys as scholars. Hyala, who studied at Assumption College through a scholarship granted to her as a daughter of a school employee, recalled how her mother pushed her to value education.

“Hindi ko makakalimutan kung paano talaga pinush ng nanay ko na makapag-aral talaga ako nang maayos dahil iba talaga ang edukasyon,” said Hyala, who later became president of the Assumption Student Council.

Bandido, meanwhile, shared how his determination to lift his family out of poverty led him to apply for a scholarship. “Ang haba ng pila. Nagulat ako nakapasa ako. Ang sarap ng feeling noong nakuha ko iyong scholarship at natapos ko ang four-year course,” he said.

Aquino, who was a guest on the show, highlighted the impact of the free college law on millions of Filipino students and families.

“Pag-ikot natin, marami talagang magulang, kabataan, nakapagtapos kami dahil sa batas. Ang ganda ng batas na iyan dahil nakakatulong sa tao,” he said.

If elected to the Senate in the upcoming elections, Aquino said he plans to expand the free college law and push for guaranteed jobs for Filipinos after graduation.

📷 Bam Aquino FB