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

The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED‑CAR), led by Officer‑in‑Charge Regional Director Serafin L. Ngohayon, held a coordination meeting with representatives of the Congressional District of Baguio on March 16, 2026, at CHED-CAR Regional Office, La Trinidad, Benguet.

The meeting aimed to strengthen coordination and information sharing between CHED‑CAR and the Baguio Congressional District Office, particularly on the various scholarship and financial assistance programs being implemented by CHED and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST).

During the discussion, the representatives were oriented on the different scholarship and financial aid programs available to qualified students. Dr. Bernadette C. Pal‑ec, Education Supervisor II and UniFAST Unit Head, together with Ms. Jezeny O. Laoyan, Lead Regional Coordinator of the UniFAST Unit, presented the details of the Tulong Dunong Program.

Meanwhile, Ms. Christine M. Soriano, Education Supervisor II and Student Welfare Unit Head, discussed the CHED Merit Scholarship Program, Estatistikolar, Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS), and ACEF‑GIAHEP.

Resource persons also provided updates on upcoming scholarship programs under the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP), Scholarship Program for Special Equity Groups (SPSEG), and the Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students (AHEAD), whose guidelines are currently being finalized.

In his message, Dr. Ngohayon committed to clarifying and resolving concerns raised during the meeting to foster a harmonious working relationship between the CHED Regional Office and its partner office. He also assured the representatives of faster processing and the provision of clear and timely information regarding scholarship programs.

Representatives from the Baguio Congressional District Office who attended the meeting were Mr. Michael Mastinggal, Mr. Gael Carlos Lagnason, Ms. Mariclaire Macaiba, Ms. Jing‑Jing Intendencia, and Mr. Jeff Intendencia.