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

Hope and opportunity filled the EKB Auditorium of Apayao State College (ASC) as 374 new beneficiaries were officially welcomed into the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program during an orientation led by the Commission on Higher Education–Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (CHED-UniFAST) CAR on October 5, 2025, at the ASC Luna Campus. Each beneficiary from TES Batch 15 will receive ₱10,000 per semester to help sustain their academic journey.

The program opened with welcoming remarks from Ms. Evelyn P. Alvarez, Student Affairs and Services (SAS) Director of ASC Luna Campus, who congratulated the grantees and reminded them to use their educational assistance responsibly.

“To be among those chosen to receive this educational support, napakaswerte ninyo. But along with this privilege comes great responsibility,” Ms. Alvarez said. “This subsidy is more than just financial assistance—it is an investment in your future. Use it wisely and responsibly to sustain your studies, ease your family’s burdens, and give back to your community.”

Dr. Philip Constantine L. Mandac, College Registrar and Scholarship Coordinator of ASC, presented the rationale of the program, followed by the orientation proper led by Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Education Supervisor II and UniFAST Focal Person of CHED-CAR. Dr. Pal-ec provided an overview of Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, highlighting its four key components and its impact on expanding access to higher education.

Ms. Marife Calimodag, Regional Coordinator of CHED-UniFAST CAR, discussed the roles and responsibilities of TES beneficiaries, emphasizing accountability, academic diligence, and active participation in both school and community endeavors.

In an inspirational message, Dr. Rema Bascos-Ocampo, Campus Dean of ASC, urged the grantees to make the most of the opportunity and strive for academic excellence.

“This support is not just financial aid—it is an investment in your potential. Strive for excellence, maintain integrity, and give back to the people who made this possible,” Dr. Ocampo said. “Here at Apayao State College, we are proud of your potential and committed to guiding you not only in your academic journey but also in your personal growth.”

The first part of the program concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Ronald O. Ocampo, Vice President for Academic, Research, Development, and Extension Services (VPARDES) of ASC.

The activity’s second part featured the distribution of cheques to the TES beneficiaries for the First and Second Semesters of Academic Year 2024–2025, amounting to ₱10,000 per semester. The event marked a meaningful day of empowerment and opportunity for the scholars of Apayao State College.