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

In line with its commitment to expanding access to quality education, the Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR), led by OIC Regional Director Serafin L. Ngohayon, convened a coordination meeting on February 25, 2026, at the CHED-CAR CARASUC Hall in preparation for the implementation of Project PEPA (Patuloy na Edukasyon, Patuloy na Pag-Ahon) in the region.

Project PEPA is an education caravan designed for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, serving as a nationwide information drive on government-funded education opportunities. The initiative was formally launched on January 23, 2026, at the Centennial Arena in Laoag City during the rollout of the PBBM–GABAY ng Bayan Programs.

The coordination meeting gathered representatives from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Cordillera Administrative Region (TESDA-CAR), Department of Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd-CAR), and Department of Social Welfare and Development – Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) to discuss implementation strategies, target participants, schedules, and logistical requirements.

During the meeting, Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Education Supervisor II and Head of the UniFAST Unit, presented the project overview, proposed schedule of activities, and the necessary logistics and materials for the successful conduct of the caravan.

The planned activities include information sessions on higher education and technical-vocational programs, Kwento ng Pag-ahon (success stories), booth exhibits, and career guidance talks. The region aims to reach more than 6,000 incoming college students and inform them of various opportunities available in pursuing higher education and technical-vocational pathways. The caravan is scheduled to roll out in March 2026.

Participating agencies expressed their full support for the initiative. Engr. Glenn N. Murphy, Acting Regional Director of TESDA-CAR, committed the participation of technical-vocational institutions (TVIs) in the target provinces. Dr. Jennifer P. Ande, Chief of the Curriculum and Learning Management Division of DepEd-CAR, pledged assistance in mobilizing student participants. Meanwhile, Ms. Fe Biba and Mr. Dan-Gil Geron, Project Development Officers II of DSWD-CAR, committed to providing the initial list of target 4Ps beneficiaries. Ms. Christine M. Oliquiao, Supervising TESDS, and Ms. Jillian Adawey, Executive Assistant of TESDA-CAR, were also in attendance during the meeting.

Through strengthened inter-agency collaboration, CHED-CAR continues to advance inclusive access to education and empower beneficiaries toward sustainable upliftment through Project PEPA.