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

The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) successfully conducted an orientation for 142 new beneficiaries of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program at Baguio Central University (BCU) on October 11, 2024. The orientation was held at the BCU Bonifacio Campus, with both students and their parents in attendance to learn more about the program and its benefits.

Dr. Elma D. Donaal, Vice President for Academic Affairs at BCU, opened the event, welcoming the beneficiaries and their families. She emphasized the significance of the TES program in supporting the academic journey of students and alleviating financial challenges.

Leading the orientation was Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Education Supervisor II and UniFAST Focal Person for CHED-CAR. She provided a comprehensive overview of the TES program, explaining its guidelines, the benefits it offers, and the responsibilities of beneficiaries. Dr. Pal-ec underscored the vital role of financial aid in enabling students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education without undue financial burden.

The TES program, part of Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, is designed to assist students from low-income families by covering essential educational expenses such as tuition fees, living allowances, and school supplies. Dr. Pal-ec encouraged the beneficiaries to maximize this opportunity, reminding them that the TES program is not only an investment in their education but also a contribution to the future of the nation.

An important part of the program was the signing of the TES Sharing Agreement, where beneficiaries formally acknowledged their commitment to the terms of the TES program. This agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of both the students and the institution in managing the grant.

One of the beneficiaries, Ivy Grace Bunnat, an AB Political Science student at BCU, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the TES program for easing her financial struggles and enabling her to focus on her studies.

The orientation concluded with remarks from Dr. Perfecto M. Lopez, Vice President for Administration of BCU, who thanked CHED and UniFAST for their continued support of BCU students and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to helping the beneficiaries achieve academic success.

With the growing number of TES beneficiaries in Baguio and across the Cordillera region, CHED-CAR continues to strengthen its initiatives to promote higher education access and provide opportunities for students to succeed in their chosen fields.