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

In a significant move towards strengthening access to higher education, the Commission on Higher Education – Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-UniFAST CAR), in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Benguet, successfully organized an orientation and awarding ceremony for the newest batch of Tulong Dunong Program (TDP-TES) grantees on February 19, 2025, at the Benguet Sports Complex in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet. This event marked another milestone in the government’s ongoing commitment to providing financial assistance to deserving students.

A total of 768 students from Batch 9.1 of the Tulong Dunong Program in Benguet Province were recipients of financial assistance under the program, which is an integral component of the Tertiary Education Subsidy initiative established by Republic Act 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. This initiative seeks to extend financial support to academically deserving students, thereby enabling them to pursue higher education.

The event commenced with an opening message by Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Education Supervisor II and the UniFAST Focal Person of CHED-CAR. She underscored the pivotal role of education and financial aid in empowering students and fostering academic excellence.

A special video message from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ensued, emphasizing the substantial impact of the grant on students’ educational trajectories. Additionally, CHED Chairperson J. Prospero “Popoy” De Vera III delivered a video message urging the grantees to judiciously allocate their stipends, particularly in support of their academic pursuits.

Further enhancing the academic significance of the event, Atty. Septon A. De La Cruz, Regional Director of CHED-CAR, delivered an inspirational discourse, exhorting the grantees to maximize the benefits of their financial assistance, diligently complete their tertiary education, and ultimately contribute to national development.

Ms. Jezeny O. Laoyan, Lead Regional Coordinator of CHED-CAR for UniFAST, conducted an orientation session delineating the roles and responsibilities of the newly qualified grantees, ensuring their comprehensive understanding of the appropriate utilization of their grants. She also highlighted the regional office’s initiatives in supporting students’ academic endeavors like the SEEDLING Project and Project SAGIP among others.

Benguet Provincial Governor Melchor D. Diclas, represented by Provincial Governor’s Office Representative Mario Baucas Jr., conveyed his earnest congratulations to the grantees and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting educational initiatives within the province as part of his HEALTHIER Benguet agenda.

The program concluded with the ceremonial distribution of the notices of award, symbolizing the official conferment of financial assistance to the grantees.

This orientation program represents a significant advancement toward fostering accessible and equitable tertiary education for students in Benguet Province.

For more details about the programs under UniFAST, visit www.unifast.chedcar.com.