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

As part of efforts to ensure the effective implementation of government financial assistance programs, the Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED‑CAR), through its UniFAST Unit, in cooperation with Easter College Inc., conducted an orientation for the new Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Tulong‑Dunong Program (TDP) beneficiaries on April 23, 2026. A total of 130 student‑beneficiaries attended the activity.

Dr. Cleofe Kollin, President of Easter College Inc., formally welcomed the participants and encouraged the beneficiaries to value their grants by complying with program requirements and striving for academic excellence. She reminded the students to recognize the grant as an opportunity to continue their education and not to take it lightly.

“This means that our country believes in investing in you. It means that society sees the importance of education and supports students like you. It means that doors have been opened for you, while many others are still praying to be included in the future,” she said.

Ms. Ana Grace P. Salibad, Regional Coordinator of the UniFAST Unit, led the session and presented the key features of the TES and TDP programs. She emphasized the roles and responsibilities of the beneficiaries to ensure their continued eligibility and uninterrupted enjoyment of the government‑funded assistance.

A significant portion of the orientation focused on the opening of accounts with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), in line with the partnership between CHED‑UniFAST and LANDBANK to expedite the release of financial assistance. Through this initiative, beneficiaries’ stipends will be directly credited to their respective LANDBANK accounts.

The event was graced by Mr. Michael Valdez and Mr. Joel Cabrera, General Managers of the LANDBANK Marcos and Naguilian Branches, respectively. With the assistance of the LANDBANK Mobile Application, beneficiaries were able to conveniently open their bank accounts on‑site during the activity.

Following the orientation, new TDP grantees under Batches 22.1 and 23.1 received their Notices of Award, formally marking their inclusion in the program. Meanwhile, new TES beneficiaries under Batch 1.1 accomplished and signed their TES Sharing Agreements.

The activity reinforced CHED‑CAR’s commitment to delivering accessible and efficient financial assistance, supporting students in their pursuit of higher education, and promoting inclusive and sustainable development in the region.