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

The Commission on Higher Education – Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (CHED-UniFAST CAR) continues to expand access to higher education in the Cordillera Administrative Region, as it welcomed 1,090 new grantees under the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP-TES) in Benguet Province. The orientation for the new grantees took place on May 2, 2025, at the Benguet Sports Complex, Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet.

This newest batch of grantees will benefit from the program starting in the First Semester of Academic Year 2024–2025, with the goal of easing the financial burden of pursuing tertiary education. The TDP-TES provides qualified students with Php 7,500 per semester to assist with their academic-related expenses.

Ms. Ana Grace P. Salibad, Regional Coordinator of CHED-UniFAST CAR, led the orientation session, where she highlighted the roles and responsibilities of the grantees and the importance of using the financial aid for its intended purpose. The orientation aimed to prepare the beneficiaries for the responsibilities they will undertake while receiving the subsidy.

After the orientation, each grantee received their Notice of Award, marking the official start of their participation in the TDP-TES program and the beginning of their educational journey with financial assistance.

The session was also facilitated by Ms. Precious Jane Amiten, Ms. Delaila Irma Calindas, Ms. Cristy Pitas, Ms. Danielle Galong, Ms. Vanessa Langpaoen, and Mr. Lemuel Refuerzo, who provided valuable support throughout the event and assisted with any queries from the attendees.

This milestone reflects CHED-UniFAST CAR’s commitment to improving access to quality education for students in the region, and marks another step toward empowering the youth of Benguet Province to achieve their academic goals.