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

In its continuing effort to expand access to quality tertiary education and provide support to deserving students, CHED-UniFAST CAR formally oriented and awarded Notices of Award to the new beneficiaries of the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) of Mountain Province State University (MPSU) on August 27, 2025, at the Governor Leonard G. Mayaen Sports Complex, Poblacion, Bontoc, Mountain Province.

The program opened with an inspirational message from Dr. Edgar Cue, President of MPSU, who underscored the value of tertiary education and its transformative impact on the lives of students and their families.

The event was also graced by officials of the Provincial Government of Mountain Province, who extended their felicitations to the new grantees. Among them were Congressman Maximo Dalog Jr., represented by Political Affairs Officer Mr. Dionisio Wacdisen; Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr., represented by Executive Assistant Mr. Winston Calde; and Vice Governor Jose Dominguez.

Ms. Ana Grace P. Salibad, Regional Coordinator of CHED-UniFAST CAR, facilitated the orientation and presented the provisions, processes, and details of the TDP grant. She explained that the TDP is a financial assistance program intended to support underprivileged yet deserving college students by helping ease the cost of their tertiary education.

This batch, effective First Semester of Academic Year 2024–2025, is entitled to receive Php 7,500 per semester, providing partial coverage of their tertiary education expenses. A total of 333 grantees make up this batch in MPSU.

After being oriented on their roles and responsibilities as grantees, the students formally accepted the grant by signing their Notices of Award, signifying their official inclusion in the program.

This orientation session forms part of CHED-UniFAST CAR’s commitment to ensuring that student-beneficiaries in the Cordillera are properly oriented and well-informed of their roles, responsibilities, and privileges under the program, thereby empowering them to maximize the support extended to them.