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

In a bid to strengthen student support and awareness, almost 100 student beneficiaries of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Program from the Kalinga Colleges of Sciences and Technology (KCST) participated in an orientation session on January 23, 2025.

The event, held to provide essential guidance and information, began with an inspiring message from Ms. Menzie O. Kuengan, Supervising Education Program Specialist of CHED-CAR. She emphasized the transformative power of higher education and motivated the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunities provided by the program.

Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Education Supervisor II and UniFAST Focal Person of CHED-CAR, followed with a detailed presentation on the roles and responsibilities of TES beneficiaries. She highlighted the importance of compliance with program requirements, accountability, and commitment in ensuring the continuity of their grants.

The TES program, implemented under Republic Act No. 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), supports financially challenged but deserving students by providing assistance to cover partial tuition costs and other education-related expenses. Each beneficiary receives Php 10,000 per regular semester, empowering them to pursue quality education without undue financial burden.

To learn more about the TES program and other initiatives under UAQTEA, visit www.unifast.chedcar.com.