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

True to its mission of promoting accessible and relevant education in the Cordillera Administrative Region, the Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) successfully conducted an orientation for Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Tulong Dunong Program (TDP-TES) beneficiaries of Saint Louis College of Bulanao (SLCB) in Tabuk City, Kalinga, on January 22, 2025.

The orientation was attended by nearly 200 beneficiaries, who were provided with an in-depth understanding of the various aspects of their financial assistance. These grants are part of the government’s efforts under Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), which aims to support deserving students by covering partial costs of tertiary education and other education-related expenses.

Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Education Supervisor II and UniFAST Focal Person of CHED-CAR, outlined the roles and responsibilities of the beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of compliance and accountability in maintaining their grants.

Following the lecture, Ms. Menzie O. Kuengan, Supervising Education Program Specialist of CHED-CAR, delivered an inspirational message, encouraging beneficiaries to maximize the opportunities provided by higher education. She highlighted how these programs could help build their skills and potential, contributing to personal growth and regional development.

The session concluded with the distribution of stipends for TES beneficiaries under the latest batch, covering the First Semester of Academic Year 2023-2024 amounting to a total of Php 1,677,105.00.

To learn more about UAQTEA programs, visit www.unifast.chedcar.com.