Boyfriend pays for girlfriend's college tuition, leading to stable jobs for both

To grow together in their chosen careers, Jeffrey Oyando volunteered to pay for his girlfriend’s college tuition that earned her a four-year college degree.

In Wednesday’s episode of “IRL,” Catherine Bascon shared how and why the help from Jeffrey started.

According to her, she found it hard to find a job because she only had a two-year computer course so her partner immediately offered to help.

“Sabi niya ‘sige, maghanap ka ng school, alamin mo magkano tuition, requirements ta’s pumasok ka na,” she said.

“Siguro nahalata niya na sobrang dami kong inapplyan na companies, walang maka-absorb sa’kin. Gusto ko sana yung related sa course ko kaso ‘di ako makapasok sa ganong field dahil nga (wala) akong degree,” she added.

Aside from the tuition, Jeffrey, who finished a course in Information Technology, also shouldered Catherine’s allowances.

Even after realizing the “responsibility” that he’s getting himself into, he continued because he wanted to.

“Hindi kasi ako lumaki sa luho, ‘di ko naexperience yung mga (party) kaya siguro thankful din ako na dahil do’n, [naipon] yung pera para may pang-tulong sa kanya,” he said.

“(Bilang breadwinner), mahirap mag-budget pero kung talagang desidido ka, kung gusto mo talaga yung bagay na ‘yon, kailangan mag-push hard ka talaga para magawa mo,” he added.

While studying, Catherine have also been working as a freelancer since she is also the breadwinner in their family.

After Catherine graduated, Jeffrey compared it to how his parents felt when he also finished studying.

“Siguro yung naramdaman nung magulang ko sa’kin nung grumaduate ako, ganon din siguro yung feeling nung grumaduate siya,” he said.

“Iba yung mapagtapos mo siya ng hard-earned money. Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam,” he added.

According to Jeffrey, he never asked Catherine anything in return for the help he did.

“Never kong inisip yung mga ganong bagay. Sinabi ko sa kanya na ‘kapag pinag-aral kita, kung ano man mangyari, kung mag-break man tayo, ‘di ako yung tipo ng tao na naniningil,’” he said.

“Kung tutulong ako, tutulong ako nang maluwag,” he added.

Catherine and Jeffrey met in 2011 and have been together for seven years already.

Currently, Jeffrey is working as a Senior Information Technology Analyst. Catherine, meanwhile, is undergoing training as an Application Developer. —Franchesca Viernes/JCB, GMA News