ASIST Holds Orientation on Free Higher Education with CHED-UniFAST CAR
By: Delaila Irma T. Calindas, Project Technical Staff II
The Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST), under the leadership of President Gregorio Turqueza Jr., organized an orientation on the Free Higher Education (FHE) program on November 6, 2025, at its Bangued campus. The activity was conducted in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education – Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (CHED-UniFAST) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
During the session, Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Education Supervisor II and UniFAST Focal Person of CHED-CAR, discussed the salient features of the FHE program, a landmark initiative under Republic Act No. 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA). The program enables qualified Filipino students to pursue higher education without paying tuition and other school fees in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs).
Dr. Pal-ec also outlined the scope of FHE coverage, which includes tuition and thirteen (13) miscellaneous fees such as admission, laboratory, medical and dental, and library fees. She further explained the eligibility and ineligibility criteria, clarifying that students who have exceeded the prescribed period for completing their degree programs or have already earned a bachelor’s degree are no longer qualified to avail of the benefits.
She was joined by Ms. Jezeny O. Laoyan, Lead Regional Coordinator of CHED-UniFAST CAR, who assisted in addressing queries and clarifying specific provisions of the law.
In his message, President Turqueza emphasized the importance of adhering to the policies and guidelines of the program to ensure its fair and effective implementation.
The reorientation sought to clarify the status of enrolled students who may no longer qualify for FHE benefits. Through this initiative, ASIST and CHED-UniFAST CAR aim to ensure transparency, promote compliance, and strengthen awareness of the proper implementation of the FHE program in line with the objectives of UAQTEA.
