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

The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR), in partnership with the Office of Congressman Eric Yap of Benguet’s lone district, successfully oriented 464 new beneficiaries of the Tulong Dunong Program under the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TDP-TES) on September 5, 2024, at the BSU Closed Gymnasium, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Dr. Felipe S. Comila, President of Benguet State University, delivered an inspiring message to the grantees, emphasizing the importance of adding value to themselves through diligent study, completing their degrees, pursuing further education, and ultimately contributing to nation-building.

Cong. Eric Go Yap, who was represented by La Trinidad Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Roderick Awingan, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the new grantees. He highlighted the significance of the grant as a valuable support system for the youth of Benguet and encouraged the beneficiaries to study hard as a way of giving back to their community.

Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Education Supervisor II and UniFAST Focal Person, provided an overview of Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, and outlined the grounds for the termination of the TDP-TES grant. She also shared updates on the special projects and initiatives launched by the CHED-CAR Regional Office under the leadership of Regional Director Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr., highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance educational opportunities in the region.

The orientation program included a ceremonial awarding and distribution of the grantees’ notices of award, officially marking the start of their academic journey with financial support.

In her message, CHED-CAR Supervising Education Program Specialist Ms. Menzie O. Kuengan underscored the crucial role of higher education in alleviating poverty, motivating the grantees to make the most of the opportunity given to them. The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Maricel Malado, a staff from the Office of the Congressman of Benguet, who reiterated the importance of education as a powerful tool for personal and community growth.

The TDP-TES is a grant-in-aid program that provides financial assistance to qualified beneficiaries, amounting to Php 15,000 per academic year (Php 7,500 per semester), aimed at helping students overcome financial barriers to education. To know more about the programs under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, visit, www.unifast.chedcar.com.