THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Nueva Ecija has granted a full scholarship to Mary Jane Veloso’s family, offering her children and relatives a chance to pursue their education.
This initiative is particularly significant for Celia Veloso, Mary Jane’s mother, as it allows her grandchildren, Mark Darren, 16, and Mark Daniel, 22, to pursue their studies.
TESDA Nueva Ecija Director Alvin Yturralde emphasized that the scholarship extends to multiple family members.
“This program isn’t just for one individual. We can offer training programs to the whole family,” Yturralde explained. “If their neighbors are interested, we can even conduct the program in their barangay.”
Celia expressed her deep gratitude for the support. “I am thankful to our government for this help… My hope now is to bring Mary Jane home,” she said.
Mark Darren, Mary Jane’s son, also shared his appreciation. “I will continue my studies… I am very grateful to receive this scholarship, and I won’t waste this opportunity. I want to become a businessman,” he said.
The local government of General Mamerto Natividad has also provided financial aid to the Veloso family and has committed to helping Mark Daniel secure a better job. Mark Daniel currently works as a truck helper in Bulacan.
Additionally, the local government will coordinate with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in response to Celia’s request for Mary Jane’s release so she can be reunited with her family.
As Celia prepares for her upcoming visit to Indonesia, she eagerly anticipates the chance to embrace her daughter again.
BACKGROUND
Mary Jane Veloso was arrested in 2010 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia after authorities found 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage.
She has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming that she was tricked by a recruiter into unknowingly carrying the drugs.
Her execution was postponed in 2015 after an appeal by then-President Benigno Aquino III.
Recently, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that negotiations with Indonesian officials for her transfer are ongoing.