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

Reaffirming its commitment to accessible and inclusive higher education, the Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED‑CAR), through its UniFAST Unit, successfully conducted an orientation for the latest batch of Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) beneficiaries of Baguio Central University on April 30, 2026.

The activity gathered 125 student‑beneficiaries, joined by their parents, underscoring the shared responsibility of families and institutions in supporting students’ academic journeys.

Leading the orientation was Dr. Bernadette C. Pal‑ec, Education Supervisor II and Head of the UniFAST Unit, who provided a discussion on the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act No. 10931). She explained the scope of TES benefits, outlined program guidelines, clarified valid grounds for termination, and walked participants through the application and compliance process—ensuring that beneficiaries clearly understood both their privileges and responsibilities under the program.

Complementing the discussion, Ms. Marife B. Calimodag, Regional Coordinator of the UniFAST Unit, emphasized the roles and responsibilities of TES grantees, reminding students that accountability and adherence to program requirements are essential in sustaining the government’s support.

The orientation concluded with the signing of the TES Sharing Agreement by the beneficiaries and their parents. Ms. Shiela Madugay, BCU Focal Person, guided the beneficiaries and their parents in accomplishing the form, signifying their formal acceptance of the program’s terms and their commitment to upholding its conditions.

Through initiatives such as this, CHED‑CAR continues to strengthen awareness, transparency, and shared responsibility in the implementation of TES—helping ensure that financial assistance truly translates into meaningful access to quality higher education.