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

To further strengthen the implementation of student financial assistance programs in the Cordillera, CHED-UniFAST CAR conducted an orientation for the latest batch of Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) beneficiaries from Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) in Kalinga Province on August 29, 2025, at Saint Tonis College, Inc. (STCI).

Participating institutions included STCI, Cordillera A+ Computer Technology College, Kalinga College of Science and Technology, and Saint Louis College of Bulanao. The orientation aimed to ensure that the new beneficiaries are well-informed of their roles, responsibilities, and privileges under the TES program.

Ms. Marife B. Calimodag, Regional Coordinator of CHED-UniFAST CAR, facilitated the session and presented the provisions, processes, and details of the TES grant. She emphasized that TES, one of the flagship programs of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), provides financial support to qualified students, helping reduce economic barriers and enabling them to pursue higher education.

This batch, effective the First Semester of Academic Year 2024–2025, is entitled to receive Php 13,500 per semester as financial assistance, partially covering the cost of tertiary education. A total of 58 grantees compose this batch of TES beneficiaries from Kalinga PHEIs.

This orientation forms part of CHED-UniFAST CAR’s sustained efforts to uphold the objectives of UAQTEA by ensuring that student-beneficiaries are fully informed of their obligations and privileges under the program. In doing so, the Regional Office reaffirms its commitment to fostering inclusive access to quality higher education and supporting the academic journey of learners across the Cordillera region.