On the brink of giving up, a dream saved: Tabuk City gasoline girl asks loan from Tulfo, receives help

FEATURE

 For years, Shanniah Twain De Vera balanced the weight of her dreams with the realities of hardship—juggling school requirements by day and working as a gasoline attendant whenever she could. Now, just as she stands on the brink of graduation, a long-standing financial burden that once threatened to stop her has finally been lifted.

The 22-year-old graduating student from Tabuk City recently received more than P100,000 in financial assistance from Senator Raffy Tulfo through his program Raffy Tulfo in Action, allowing her to settle her unpaid tuition and move forward with completing her degree.

Shanniah, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management at the University of Cagayan Valley, shared her story during the program’s April 28 episode. Like many working students, she relied on part-time work to support her studies—serving as a gasoline attendant in a family-run business. But as academic demands intensified in her final year, she was forced to give up her source of income.

“…nagpa-partime po ako bilang gasoline girl sa Tito ko pero pa-bankrupt na kasi yung business. Last year pa ako nag-stop kasi full na ang schedule ko this year. From first to third year nag-partime, tapos 250 yung sahod, mababa pero kamag-anak naman sila,” she said.

Without a steady income, her unpaid tuition fees accumulated to more than P71,000, putting her graduation at risk. Like many universities, her school requires full payment before releasing essential documents such as her transcript of records and diploma.

Faced with the possibility of not graduating despite years of effort, Shanniah reached out—not for charity, but for a chance.

“Kaya po ako nandito, mangungutang lang po sana ako sa inyo. Tapos po, kung gusto niyo, willing po akong magtrabaho—kahit anong trabaho po dito, mabayaran lang po yung ibibigay niyo,” she said.

Moved by her determination, Senator Tulfo granted Shanniah a total of P101,382, covering not only her tuition balance but also additional financial needs. Beyond this, the senator extended support to her family, assuring medical assistance for her mother’s therapy and medication, and offering help for her father’s condition if necessary.

Tulfo also made it clear that the assistance comes with no expectation of repayment, emphasizing that the program provides aid freely once cases are properly verified.

For Shanniah, what was once a looming barrier has turned into renewed hope. With her financial burden eased, she now looks ahead to finally completing her studies—carrying with her not only a degree, but a story of perseverance, sacrifice, and quiet resilience.