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

The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) participated in the National Orientation on the Implementing Guidelines of the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, held at The Orchard Hotel, Baguio City, on November 7, 2024. This four-day event, organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), gathered focal persons for solo parents from various regions, including Regions 1 to 5, the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and MIMAROPA. The objective was to update participants on the latest developments in the implementing guidelines of Republic Act No. 11861 and highlight the privileges and support programs offered by other government agencies.

The third day of the orientation focused on discussions about the various scholarship and financial assistance programs available to solo parents and their dependents. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable sectors by improving access to education and social services.

Ms. Christine M. Soriano, Education Supervisor II and the Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs) Focal Person for CHED-CAR, presented an overview of the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP). The CMSP is a government-funded scholarship designed to assist academically talented students, particularly those from underprivileged and marginalized sectors, such as persons with disabilities (RA 7277), solo parents and their dependents (RA 11861), and the homeless (RA 7279). The scholarship is open to incoming freshmen pursuing undergraduate studies in priority programs at private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) recognized by CHED.

Following this, Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Education Supervisor II and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Focal Person for CHED-CAR, provided insights into the programs under Republic Act No. 10931, known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA). Her presentation covered the Free Higher Education, Tertiary Education Subsidy, and Tulong Dunong Program, which aim to ensure that all Filipino students have access to quality tertiary education without the burden of financial constraints. Furthermore, she also presented data on beneficiaries from the Listahanan Category and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The national orientation showcased the government’s strong commitment to uplifting the welfare of solo parents and their dependents by expanding access to educational opportunities and skills development programs. By aligning efforts across agencies such as CHED, UniFAST, and DSWD, the orientation underscored the importance of a collaborative approach in ensuring inclusive and sustainable support for marginalized sectors.

For more information on CMSP and UAQTEA, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the following official websites: https://faster.chedcar.com/ and https://unifast.chedcar.com/.