By: Sheila Mae Q. Andres, On-the-Job Trainee

In its unwavering commitment to ensure that opportunities reach every deserving Cordilleran youth, CHED-UniFAST CAR successfully conducted the 2025 online session of its official Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign, Project ACCESS (Acquainting In-Coming College Entrants on Scholarships and Grants-in-Aid System), on April 11, 2025. The session was streamed live via Zoom and Facebook Live, making vital information on scholarships and financial assistance more accessible across the region.

The program began with an acknowledgment of participants and a presentation of the event rationale by Ms. Ana Grace P. Salibad, one of the Regional Coordinators of CHED-UniFAST CAR. She emphasized the importance of making higher education more accessible to all, especially those from marginalized communities.

Ms. Christine M. Soriano, Education Supervisor II and StuFAPs Focal Person of CHED-CAR, led the orientation on CHED’s scholarship offerings. She provided a comprehensive overview of the following programs:

• CHED Merit-Based Scholarship Program (CMSP) – for academically deserving incoming freshmen,
• Istatiskolar – for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Statistics,
• Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program (MSRS) – for aspiring doctors committed to serving underserved areas,
• ACEF-GIAHEP – a grant for students in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, veterinary medicine, and related programs.

Following this, Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Education Supervisor II and UniFAST Focal Person of CHED-CAR, provided an orientation on the core programs under Republic Act No. 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA). These include:

• Free Higher Education,
• Free Technical-Vocational Education and Training,
• Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), and
• Student Loan Program (SLP).

Beyond scholarship opportunities, the session also served as a platform for career guidance. Dr. Geraldine Orasing, Special Science Teacher from the Philippine Science High School – CAR, was invited to provide insights and advice on career decision-making and planning.

The online event concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Prisilla T. Panangwe, Chief Administrative Officer of CHED-CAR, who thanked all participants and partners for their continued support in championing educational access across the region.

Through Project ACCESS, CHED-UniFAST CAR continues to empower Cordilleran youth by opening doors to education and building pathways toward a brighter future.