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

In a significant step toward enhancing educational access for local youth, the Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) responded to an invitation from the Municipal Local Government Unit of Itogon to participate in the annual Iyaman 2024 event in Itogon, Benguet, on September 26, 2024. The event served as a platform for CHED-CAR to conduct an orientation on the programs available under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA). This initiative aimed to raise awareness among the local community about the educational opportunities and financial assistance offered through CHED-UniFAST’s programs, ensuring greater access to higher education for Itogon’s youth.

IYAMAN (Integrity Yields Accomplishments, Modifies Advancement, Nurtures Excellence) is an annual event organized by the Department of Education – CAR and the Schools Division of Benguet to express gratitude to the various stakeholders who contribute to the success, continued growth, and excellence of basic education in the province.

The event provided CHED-CAR a valuable platform to engage directly with students, educators, and community leaders, sharing crucial information on the financial assistance programs available under UAQTEA. These include the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Free Higher Education (FHE) programs, both designed to ensure equitable access to tertiary education for Itogon’s youth.

As part of the ceremony, various stakeholders were honored for their contributions to the advancement of education in Itogon. The awardees included the Municipal Local Government Unit of Itogon, the Sangguniang Bayan ng Itogon, the Philippine National Police of Itogon, barangay officials, private entities, and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs). Their dedication to supporting Itogon’s students was acknowledged and celebrated during the event.

CHED-CAR’s presence at Iyaman 2024 underscored its ongoing commitment to championing quality, accessible, and relevant education services in the Cordilleras. Through such outreach efforts, CHED-CAR aims to strengthen ties with local communities, ensuring that students in rural areas are fully aware of the opportunities available to help them achieve their academic and career aspirations through government support programs.

The visit also opened doors for potential partnerships and collaborations with various government entities and the education sector present at the event. Officials from different barangays in Itogon, Benguet, and representatives from Senior High Schools in the locality expressed their interest in Project ACCESS and committed to future collaborations.

Ms. Jezeny O. Laoyan, Lead Regional Coordinator of CHED-CAR for UniFAST Unit, along with Regional Coordinators, Mr. Lemuel V. Refuerzo and Ms. Danielle G. Galong, graced the said event.

Project ACCESS serves as the official Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign of CHED-CAR. Conceptualized by Regional Director Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr., this visionary initiative underscores CHED-CAR’s dedication to providing comprehensive guidance to prospective college students, ensuring they are well-informed about available scholarships and grants-in-aid programs.