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

The Commission on Audit (COA) held an exit conference at CHED-CAR, La Trinidad, Benguet, on February 11, 2026, to present the initial findings of its performance audit of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE) programs. The event convened representatives from CHED-CAR, Benguet State University (BSU), University of Baguio (UB), and University of the Cordilleras (UC) to review the results and discuss strategies to further strengthen the implementation and impact of UAQTE programs in the region.

The audit, conducted from February 2 to 4, 2026, was led by COA auditors Ms. Gerverlyn Mila, Mr. Galileo B. Tuangco, and Ms. Marie Joy D. Marin. It aimed to evaluate the extent to which the UAQTE programs have achieved their intended objectives, identify areas for improvement, and recommend measures to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of program delivery. As part of their assessment, the COA team conducted field visits to BSU, UB, and UC, interviewed key personnel involved in program implementation, reviewed documentation, facilitated process walkthroughs, and surveyed student-beneficiaries to capture firsthand insights on program outcomes.

During the exit conference, COA presented its initial findings and facilitated discussions with representatives from CHED-CAR and partner universities, focusing on clarifications and identifying concrete measures to enhance program administration, governance, and the delivery of services to student-beneficiaries.

The collaborative dialogue underscored the commitment of CHED-CAR and its partner higher education institutions to transparency, accountability, and the continuous improvement of UAQTE programs in the Cordillera Administrative Region.