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

CHED-UniFAST CAR formally welcomed 348 new grantees of the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) in Kalinga Province through an orientation and awarding ceremony held on August 29, 2025, at the Kalinga Sports Center. This new batch of grantees officially takes effect beginning the First Semester of Academic Year 2024–2025.

The activity was organized in partnership with the Provincial Government of Kalinga through its Scholarship Focal Person, Mr. Danny Guyang, ensuring strong local support for the program’s implementation.

Distinguished provincial officials also graced the event to extend their congratulations and words of encouragement to the student-grantees. Among those present were Provincial Governor James Edduba, Vice Governor Dave Odien, and Board Member Emilio Kitongan.

Ms. Ana Grace P. Salibad, Regional Coordinator of CHED-UniFAST CAR, led the orientation proper. She discussed the provisions of the TDP grant, outlining the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the grantees. She likewise underscored the importance of accountability and responsible use of the assistance to ensure that the support translates into meaningful progress in the students’ academic journey.

The Tulong Dunong Program is a government financial assistance initiative designed to support underprivileged yet deserving college students. Each beneficiary is entitled to Php 7,500 per semester, helping to partially cover the cost of tertiary education and ease the financial burden of pursuing a degree.

Following the orientation, the beneficiaries formally accepted the grant by signing their Notices of Award, signifying their official inclusion in the program and their shared commitment to uphold its objectives.

This orientation and awarding activity reflects CHED-UniFAST CAR’s unwavering commitment to ensure that student-beneficiaries in the Cordillera are adequately informed of their privileges and obligations under the program. It likewise underscores the growing number of grant-in-aid beneficiaries in the region, reaffirming the government’s dedication to widening access to quality higher education.