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

In a bid to amplify its advocacy and information dissemination efforts, the Commission on Higher Education – Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (CHED-UniFAST) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has officially partnered with Apayao State College (ASC) for the conduct of “UAQTEA Time”, a dynamic radio program aimed at promoting the landmark Republic Act No. 10931.

The partnership was formalized on May 6, 2025, through the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) during CHED-UniFAST CAR’s annual monitoring visit to ASC. The agreement grants CHED-UniFAST CAR a dedicated one-hour semestral timeslot on ASC Radio to air “UAQTEA Time”—a platform that informs, engages, and inspires audiences by highlighting the life-changing impact of free higher education and student financial assistance under RA 10931.

The MOA was signed by CHED-CAR Regional Director Atty. Septon A. De La Cruz and ASC President Dr. John Cabansag, with CHED-UniFAST CAR Focal Person Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec and ASC Radio Station Manager Prof. Sonia Belarde served as witnesses.

Building on the momentum of its initial partnership with Kalinga State University—which hosted the pilot episode of “UAQTEA Time” on April 25, 2025—CHED-UniFAST CAR launched the second episode right after the MOA signing on May 6. The episode featured Regional Coordinators Ms. Marife Calimodag and Ms. Jennylyn Pataras, together with ASC UniFAST Focal Person Dr. Philip Constantine Mandac, as resource speakers. They delved into the core principles of RA 10931, including Free Higher Education (FHE) and the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), and discussed the various opportunities available to students in public and private higher education institutions.

A moving highlight of the episode was the success story of Reylyn Sadama, a proud TES graduate beneficiary and completer of Project MARITES (Mobilizing Available Resources through Inclusive Training on Entrepreneurship of Student-Grantees). Reylyn shared how the financial support she received allowed her not only to finish her studies but also to take confident steps toward her professional dreams./p>

With strategic collaborations like this, CHED-UniFAST CAR continues to bring the message of accessible and equitable education to the grassroots, championing every student’s right to dream, succeed, and give back.