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

In line with its commitment to promoting equitable access to higher education, the Commission on Higher Education – Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (CHED-UniFAST) CAR participated in the Work Immersion Pre-Orientation at Irisan National High School on March 7, 2025. With the theme “Exploring Career Horizons,” the event aimed to equip Senior High School students with essential knowledge and resources to facilitate their transition to higher education and future career pathways.

As part of this initiative, CHED-UniFAST CAR provided an orientation on the various financial assistance programs available under Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, ensuring that students and their families are well-informed about opportunities for pursuing tertiary education without financial burden.

Ms. Jurcell V. Dilla, Regional Coordinator of CHED-UniFAST CAR, discussed key programs such as the Free Higher Education, Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), and Tulong Dunong Program (TDP), highlighting their benefits and application processes. She was joined by fellow Regional Coordinator, Mr. Lemuel Refuerzo, who also provided insights and addressed queries from students and parents.

This initiative is part of CHED-CAR’s Project ACCESS, a program designed to inform incoming college students about available government support for higher education. The participation of CHED-UniFAST CAR in the event highlights its commitment to increasing awareness and accessibility of financial aid programs, ensuring that students and their families are empowered to make informed decisions about their academic futures.