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

Flora, Apayao – College dreams were brought closer to reality for 200 students at Mayor Ricardo De San Jose Sr. Comprehensive National High School in Sta. Maria, Flora, Apayao, on October 2, 2025. CHED-UniFAST CAR, in cooperation with the Apayao State College (ASC) – Luna Campus, successfully conducted a session of Project ACCESS (Acquainting In-Coming College Entrants on Scholarships and Grants-in-Aid System).

The interactive session drew a large audience of learners, spanning from Grade 7 to Senior High School, all keen to learn about post-basic education opportunities.

The core of the program centered on informing students about the crucial financial support available for their future studies. Ms. Marife Calimodag, Regional Coordinator of CHED-UniFAST CAR, presented the opportunities available under the UAQTEA, focusing on support for learners transitioning into higher education.

Complementing the financial guidance, students received essential advice on academic planning. Ms. Eleanor Janine C. Guillermo, Guidance Counselor of ASC – Luna, provided guidance on career pathway selection after basic education. Her session aimed to help the students align their academic choices with their long-term career aspirations, ensuring a smooth and informed transition to college life.

The session was concluded by Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Education Supervisor II and the UniFAST Focal Person of CHED-CAR, who offered closing remarks and supplementary information regarding the assistance programs.

Following the main event, the team also visited the Allig National Agricultural and Trade High School in Barangay Allig, Flora, Apayao. Due to a conflicting school event, a Project ACCESS session could not be conducted. Instead, the team provided informational brochures to the School Head for distribution to the learners, to ensure they still received material about grants-in-aid.

Project ACCESS is the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign of CHED-UniFAST CAR. Its primary objective is to visit Senior High Schools and other educational institutions to orient prospective college entrants on the financial assistance programs available for tertiary education.

This project is anchored in the first agenda of the CHED ACHIEVE strategic plan, which promotes Advanced and Accessible Lifelong Learning. Through this impactful project, the government and its academic partners are actively working to ensure that financial constraints do not become a barrier to quality tertiary education for deserving students across the region.