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

The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR), through its UniFAST Unit, successfully hosted the UniFAST Strategic Planning Activity for FY 2025 on February 10-12, 2025, at Travelite Hotel, Legarda Road, Baguio City.

This annual gathering brought together Lead Regional Coordinators and Accountants from all regions to align goals, set strategic directions, and strengthen the implementation of universal access to quality tertiary education for the current fiscal year. With the theme “UniFAST Para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Targets and Strategies Towards PBBM Legacy,” the event focused on enhancing programs and initiatives that support the administration’s vision for education.

The activity featured distinguished resource speakers who shared valuable insights to further improve UniFAST’s services. Among them were:

• Assistant Director Edgardo S. Aranjuez II, Director III, Social Development Staff, NEDA;
• Atty. John R. Jacome, Managing Director, COCOPEA;
• Engr. Louie C. Juera, Ph.D., Education Supervisor II, CHEDRO XI; and,
• Mr. Aicie James L. Rañises, HEMIS Programmer, CHEDRO XI.

Their expertise provided critical perspectives on policy development, financial management, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring that UniFAST continues to deliver efficient and transparent support to students and partner institutions. CHED-CAR, under the leadership of Regional Director Atty. Septon A. De La Cruz, expresses its deepest gratitude to the UniFAST Secretariat for selecting CHED-CAR as this year’s host and entrusting the region with the opportunity to facilitate this significant planning activity.

Through this activity, UniFAST, with the leadership of OIC Executive Director Atty. Ryan L. Estevez, reaffirms its commitment to advancing its mission and strengthening its impact on Filipino students nationwide.