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

The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR), through its UniFAST Unit, convened its second quarter meeting with representatives from various higher education institutions (HEIs) across the region on June 25, 2026, at Travelite Hotel in Baguio City. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Education Supervisor II and Head of the UniFAST Unit.

Key updates and program developments were presented during the meeting. Mr. Ken Shamrock Bulos, Project Technical Staff under the StuFAPs and Wellness Unit of CHED-CAR, provided an overview of the Commission’s scholarship programs, including the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP), CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP), Istatistikolar, Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and their Families (CoScho), and the Expanding Access to Scholarships for Equity Groups (EASE) Program.

Ms. Marife Calimodag, Regional Coordinator of the UniFAST Unit, discussed the revised guidelines for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program, while Ms. Jurcell Dilla, also a Regional Coordinator, presented updates on the revised Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) grant.

Meanwhile, Ms. Jezeny Laoyan, Lead Regional Coordinator of the UniFAST Unit, reported on the status of implementation of Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) programs in the region for the first semester of the year. She also outlined targets and key timelines for the upcoming quarter.

The meeting concluded with an open forum, where HEI representatives shared their questions, concerns, and clarifications regarding program implementation and policies.