MANILA, Philippines – A former college scholar under the office of Senator Kiko Pangilinan is now making waves in the field of education as the principal of Jaro National High School in Iloilo.
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Kiko Pangilinan |
During a routine visit to the school on Thursday, June 28, the reelectionist senator was met with a heartwarming surprise: the school’s principal, Melanie Tabaculde, turned out to be one of the beneficiaries of his scholarship program, having graduated in 2004.
“Isang magandang surpresa ang sumalubong sa akin sa aking pagbisita sa Jaro National High School,” the senator said on his Facebook post.
“Lingid sa aking kaalaman na ang kanilang principal na si Melanie Tabaculde ay isa pala sa ating mga iskolar na nagtapos sa kolehiyo noong 2004!”
“Nakakataba ng puso na marinig ang ating naging kontribusyon sa pagpapadagdag ng kanyang skill sets.”
According to Pangilinan, Ms. Tabaculde’s journey from scholar to school leader is a testament to how access to education can transform lives.
Her role as principal not only highlights her personal success but also reflects her dedication to serving the nation through education.
“Maraming salamat, Ms. Melanie, sa pagbabalik sa bayan ng tulong na iyong natanggap mula sa aming tanggapan.”
“Dahil bawat estudyanteng nahubog ng inyong serbisyo at dedikasyon ay nagpapatibay ng pundasyon ng ating bayan tungo sa malaya at maunlad na Pilipinas,” Pangilinan said.
Iskolar ni Kiko PangilinanIsang magandang surpresa ang sumalubong sa akin sa aking pagbisita sa Jaro National High School noong Huwebes. Lingid sa aking kaalaman na ang kanilang principal na si Melanie Tabaculde ay isa pala sa ating mga iskolar na nagtapos sa kolehiyo noong 2004! Nakakataba ng puso na marinig ang ating naging kontribusyon sa pagpapadagdag ng kanyang skill sets. Maraming salamat, Ms. Melanie, sa pagbabalik sa bayan ng tulong na iyong natanggap mula sa aming tanggapan. Dahil bawat estudyanteng nahubog ng inyong serbisyo at dedikasyon ay nagpapatibay ng pundasyon ng ating bayan tungo sa malaya at maunlad na Pilipinas.
Posted by Kiko Pangilinan on Friday, June 27, 2025
In the principal’s speech, she expressed her gratitude to Pangilinan for being a scholar under his former program. She shared that she took up a degree in Environmental Management at the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños in Laguna.
After graduation, she recalled vividly how Pangilinan called her and another scholar, and treated them to a hearty lunch at a restaurant.
Ms. Tabaculde’s story is one of many that underscore the long-term impact of investing in education and nurturing future leaders!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express