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

In line with the national government’s call to bridge information gaps that hinder many Filipinos from accessing higher education, the Commission on Higher Education – Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (CHED-UniFAST) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) successfully conducted Project “Patuloy na Edukasyon, Patuloy na Pag-Ahon” (PEPA) on March 26, 2026, at the Banaue Municipal Gymnasium, Banaue, Ifugao.

Project PEPA is a collaborative initiative of CHED‑UniFAST, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), aimed at increasing awareness of government education programs such as Free Higher Education, the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs), and technical‑vocational education and training.

The activity also strengthened the region’s binnadang spirit through strong inter‑agency and local government collaboration. The Local Government Unit of Banaue provided the venue and logistical support, DSWD‑CAR facilitated the list of 4Ps Senior High School learners, DepEd‑CAR coordinated participant mobilization, and CHED‑CAR led the overall implementation. The success of the activity was made possible through the support of the Provincial Government of Ifugao and various local government units, with special recognition given to the Municipality of Banaue, headed by Mayor Donald L. Mangolnon, for assistance in venue preparation, logistics, and coordination with the PNP and BFP to ensure peace and order. Appreciation was also extended to DepEd supervisors and school heads for mobilizing a significant number of students and teachers.

The Ifugao leg gathered more than 700 participants, mainly graduating Senior High School students with their parents and teachers from various municipalities across the province.
CHED-CAR OIC Regional Director Dr. Serafin L. Ngohayon led the delegation and emphasized that Project PEPA reflects the government’s commitment to ensure that no Filipino learner is left behind, highlighting education as a pathway to national development and social mobility.

In a clear and well appreciated recorded video message, CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis further reinforced CHED’s commitment to accessible higher education.

A key highlight of the program was the “Kwento ng Pag-Ahon” shared by Ms. Arlyn D. Guay, RSW, a 4Ps and TES beneficiary who ranked Top 4 in the September 2025 Licensure Examination for Social Workers and now serves in the Provincial Government of Ifugao. Her story underscored how government education assistance programs can transform lives through opportunity and perseverance.

Participants were also briefed on available education assistance programs. Dr. Bernadette C. Pal ec, Head of the UniFAST Unit, presented the programs under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), while Mr. Jay Van P. Basilio, Project Technical Staff, discussed the CHED Merit-Based Scholarship Program and the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program.

Partner agencies likewise presented their programs. TESDA-CAR promoted technical-vocational education and training opportunities, while DepEd-CAR highlighted education pathways for senior high school graduates. The DOLE-Ifugao Field Office discussed priority and in-demand courses aligned with labor market needs and employment trends.

The program also featured booth exhibits from CHED, DepEd, TESDA, DOST, DOLE, DTI, Ifugao State University (IFSU), and Camat Farm. These provided participants with direct access to information on scholarships, training programs, and livelihood opportunities.

Through Project PEPA, the government continues to bring education opportunities closer to communities, particularly in geographically challenged areas, ensuring learners are informed and empowered to pursue higher education and skills development. The next leg of the project will be held in Kalinga Province.