By: Delaila Irma T. Calindas, Project Technical Staff II

368 new grantees of the Tulong Dunong Program or TDP-TES under the Lone District of Baguio City attended the orientation of UniFAST programs conducted on February 25, 2023, at Baguio Central School, Baguio City.

Cong. Mark O. Go, Representative of the Lone District of Baguio City, graced the event with an inspirational talk. In his message, he emphasized the importance of having a quality tertiary education to attain a more secure future being an educator himself in his early years. At present, Cong. Go chairs the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and is one of the principal advocates for an accessible and universal Philippine higher education.

Before the orientation proper, Ms. Menzie O. Kuengan, Supervising Education Program Specialist, motivated the grantees with a short message highlighting that completing a higher education is an important edge in a competitive world. She gave the assurance that the Commission on Higher Education together with UniFAST will remain strong with their stance in championing accessible and relevant education for the Filipino youth.

Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Education Supervisor II and UniFAST Focal Person, presented the overview of programs under UniFAST and thoroughly explained the provisions of TDP-TES. She underscored the grounds for termination of the grant for the grantees to ensure continuance of their financial assistance. Notices of award were also distributed and accomplished during the program.

Also present during the orientation was Ms. Imelda P. Sedano, Team Leader and Administrative Head, Baguio District Office, along with her staff Ms. Loraine Faith Ferrer, Ms. Andrea Ocampo, and Ms. Juliet C. Saguid.

The conducted orientation program is the fourth leg of the orientation and advocacy initiative of the UniFAST Unit. Among the provinces visited were Kalinga, Ifugao, and Mountain Province.

TDP-TES is a financial assistance program under UniFAST intended for qualified ongoing College students. For more details, visit unifast.gov.ph.