Even without available funds from the Congressional Education Assistance program, Maguindanao del Sur Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu provided school aid from his personal funds to a Moro student in Manila on his first day back in office.
Mangudadatu, who resumed his post as Congressman of Maguindanao’s second district, said he wants to make education support a core part of his public service. He pledged to use his salary to help students even beyond official assistance programs.
“This is just the beginning of our shared journey toward education empowerment,” Mangudadatu said, emphasizing that education will always be a priority during his term.
House staff member Haydee Pangilayan, who works with the Committee on Muslim Affairs, confirmed that the congressman immediately extended aid on July 28, his first day in office. She said the gesture reflects his long-standing advocacy.
Pangilayan noted that their team accompanied the congressman to the Session Hall that day, as he chose to spend the time meeting constituents and responding to urgent concerns despite the formalities of office resumption.
