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

Widening the reach of universal access to quality tertiary education, the Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative through its UniFAST Unit visited Datakan Integrated School in Kapangan, Benguet on May 19, 2023, to orient about the different financial assistance programs offered by CHED and UniFAST.

A total of 59 participants consisting of Grade 10 and Grade 12 students attended the orientation program. The team composed of Regional Coordinators Ms. Jezeny O. Laoyan, Ms. Jurcell V. Dilla, and Mr. Lemuel V. Refuerzo, presented the details of the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) as contained in an audio-visual presentation, and the grants-in-aid programs under Republic Act No. 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

The orientation was part of the Career Guidance and Orientation Program of the Datakan Integrated School headed by Principal Roseline B. Fianza. The program also highlights career talk by their Guidance Counselor, Ms. Brenda Matias, and a motivational talk from Ms. Maribel Tan, Teacher III.

The visit is part of the IEC campaign of CHED-CAR coined as Project ACCESS or Acquainting In-Coming College Entrants on Scholarship and Grants-in-aid System. Project ACCESS aims to orient potential undergraduate enrollees of the opportunities and accessible financial assistance programs in higher education. At present, it highlights the CMSP which deadlines application on May 31, 2023. To apply, visit http://faster.chedcar.com/.