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

In line with its mandate to ensure proper implementation of government student financial assistance programs, the Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR), through its UniFAST Unit, conducted an orientation for the newest batch of Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) beneficiaries of the University of the Cordilleras (UC) on March 31, 2026.

A total of 802 students attended the orientation, which forms part of UC’s Batch 1.1 TES grantees, comprising 1,498 beneficiaries in total.

Ms. Mervhi Lucio, UniFAST Focal Person of UC, provided an overview of UniFAST. She explained that UniFAST is an attached agency of the Commission on Higher Education responsible for harmonizing government-funded student financial assistance programs. She further emphasized its role as the lead implementer of the programs under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), namely the Free Higher Education (FHE) program, the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), and the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP).

The orientation proper was led by Ms. Marife B. Calimodag, Project Technical Staff II of the UniFAST Unit, who discussed the roles and responsibilities of the newest TES grantees. She explained the process by which the students were conferred TES status and outlined the grounds for termination that beneficiaries must be mindful of. She also clarified that the batch is effective for the First Semester of Academic Year 2025–2026, and that beneficiaries may continue to receive financial assistance until completion of their program, provided they do not exceed the maximum residency period.

This was followed by a presentation from Ms. Gemma Malagayo, Accounting Staff of UC, who discussed payroll procedures and other accounting matters related to the processing and release of TES stipends. After the orientation, the new TES grantees formally signed their TES Sharing Agreement.

Among the UC officials present during the activity were Dr. Rhodora A. Ngolob, Vice President for Administration and Student Services; Ms. Jyka Reego S. Hipona, University Registrar; and Ms. Lea Angelique Y. Tugano, Officer of the Career and Alumni Connections Center.

With this activity, the CHED-CAR UniFAST Unit underscores its commitment to ensuring that TES beneficiaries are well-informed of their responsibilities and entitlements, thereby promoting transparency, accountability, and the sustained success of government-funded higher education support programs.