The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Nueva Ecija has granted a full scholarship program to the family of Mary Jane Veloso, enabling her children and relatives to continue their education.
This initiative is a significant help for Celia Veloso, Mary Jane’s mother, as it will allow her grandchildren, Mark Darren, 16, and Mark Daniel, 22, to pursue their studies.
Alvin Yturralde, Director of TESDA Nueva Ecija, said the scholarship is not just for one person.
"Pu-pwede po natin mabigyan ng training program silang magkakamag-anak dito," he said.
"Even ‘yung mga kapitbahay nila dito, para mabuo natin ‘yung isang batch, kung gusto nila pwede natin i-conduct dito sa mismong barangay nila," he added.
Celia expressed her gratitude.
"Mensahe ko po sa pamahalaan natin, nagpapasalamat po kami... magpasalamat at nangyari ito, basta ang nasa isip ko po ngayon dahil sa tulong nila [ay ang] mapauwi na si Mary Jane," she said.
Mary Jane's son, Mark Darren, also expressed his thanks.
"Itutuloy ko po [ang pagaaral]… nagpapasalamat po ako at nakatanggap po ako ng ganito, hindi ko po sasayangin ‘to... [Gusto ko maging] business man po," he said.
The local government of General Mamerto Natividad also provided financial assistance to the Veloso family.
They also promised to help Mark Daniel find a better job. Mark Daniel, as of this writing, works as a truck helper in a private company in Bulacan.
The local government will also coordinate with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. regarding Celia’s request to have Mary Jane released and reunited with her family.
As the day of Celia’s visit to Indonesia approaches, she looks forward eagerly to embracing her daughter once again.
BACKGROUND
Mary Jane was arrested in 2010 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, after authorities found 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage.
She has maintained her innocence consistently, claiming she was tricked by her recruiter into carrying the drugs.
Her execution was postponed in 2015 following an appeal by then President Benigno Aquino III.
Recently, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. confirmed ongoing negotiations with Indonesian officials for her transfer.
