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

The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) presented its physical and financial accomplishments for FY 2025 during the FY 2025 Annual Agency Performance Review (APR) Conference, conducted by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on March 5, 2026.

The conference is part of the budget monitoring and review activities pursuant to Section 4.19 of DBM Circular Letter No. 2025-2. The APR is an annual forum where DBM evaluates the physical and financial performance, efficiency, and report compliance of national government agencies and state universities. It aims to strengthen accountability, align agency budgets with national priorities, and improve service delivery across the government.

Representing CHED-CAR were Dr. Arvee Gaye Trinidad-Badua, Supervising Administrative Officer, Ms. Menzie O. Kuengan, Supervising Education Program Specialist, Dr. Christopher C. Depnag, Education Supervisor II and SIKAP/HUSAY Unit Head, Ms. Christine M. Soriano, Education Supervisor II and StuFAPs and Welfare Unit Head, Ms. Fely Ann P. Balusdan, Education Supervisor II and Planning and QA Unit Head, Ms. Emilda Dagano, Accountant III, and Ms. Jezeny O. Laoyan, Lead Regional Coordinator, UniFAST Unit.

During the conference, CHED-CAR presented its budget utilization and disbursement rate for the previous fiscal year and provided updates across key performance areas.

The DBM-CAR presented its findings and recommendations, highlighting areas where targets were not fully met. This was followed by an open forum, which provided CHED-CAR the opportunity to clarify issues, particularly regarding the funds requested for the disbursement of Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) stipends to beneficiaries and grantees; a factor that contributed to the low disbursement rate of the Regional Office.

A catch-up plan was subsequently presented to address these concerns, emphasizing CHED-CAR’s commitment to settling unpaid obligations and utilizing unobligated allotments. The Regional Office also committed to provide updates on billing instructions for the deficit of the Free Higher Education (FHE) program.

The conference was also attended by representatives from state universities and colleges in the region, fostering collaboration and dialogue on improving higher education governance and financial management.