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

The CHED-UniFAST Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) conducted an orientation for the new grantees of the Tulong Dunong Program under the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TDP-TES) at the University of the Cordilleras (UC) on July 16, 2025, in Baguio City.

The TDP-TES is one of the financial assistance programs under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), aimed at supporting underprivileged students in pursuing their college education.

A total of 165 students participated in the orientation, comprising 147 grantees from Batch 3.2 and 18 from Batch 3.1.

Ms. Ana Grace P. Salibad, one of the Regional Coordinators of CHED-UniFAST CAR, discussed the key responsibilities and expectations of grantees as beneficiaries of the government’s financial assistance program. She was joined by Mr. Lemuel Refuerzo, also a Regional Coordinator, who documented the event.

Following the orientation, Notices of Award were officially administered to the grantees, marking the start of their participation in the program and affirming their eligibility for financial support.

Also present during the activity were key personnel from UC: Ms. Mervhi Lynne B. Lucio, Coordinator for Scholarships and Special Programs; Ms. Gemma D. Malagaya, Accounting Staff; and Ms. Ligaya C. Vindua, University Registrar.

The orientation provided an opportunity for grantees to better understand the program guidelines and strengthen the partnership between CHED-UniFAST CAR and the University of the Cordilleras in the implementation of the TDP-TES.