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

The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR), in collaboration with the Congressional District Office of Benguet Province, successfully conducted an orientation and pay-out event for the latest batch of Tulong Dunong Program under the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TDP-TES) on November 20, 2024, at the Benguet Sports Complex, Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet.

A total of 789 students from Benguet were welcomed as TDP-TES grantees for Academic Year 2023–2024. Of these, 540 received their Notices of Award during the ceremony, while 220 grantees received their financial aid of Php 7,500 each to support their educational expenses for the first semester of the said Academic Year.

Ms. Ana Grace P. Salibad, one of the Regional Coordinators of CHED-CAR for UniFAST, guided the grantees through an orientation session highlighting their responsibilities as beneficiaries. The program provided essential insights into maximizing the benefits of the financial aid to achieve their academic aspirations.

Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr., Director IV of CHED-CAR, delivered an inspiring message during the event, emphasizing the government’s dedication to making quality tertiary education inclusive and accessible. He lauded the collaboration between CHED-UniFAST and legislators in realizing this vision.

Hon. Eric Go Yap, Representative of Benguet’s Lone District, also addressed the grantees, stressing the transformative power of education. He encouraged them to focus on their studies, complete their degrees, and eventually contribute to their communities and the nation.

The event was further graced by the presence of Benguet Board Members Mr. Alexander Fianza, Ms. Sharmaine Molintas, and Ms. Marie Rose Kepes Fongwan. Representing CHED-CAR, Mr. Jude Ambucay, Education Program Specialist and Acting Cashier, spearheaded the distribution of checks to the grantees, assisted by Regional Coordinators Ms. Jezeny Laoyan, Ms. Marife Calimodag, and Mr. Lemuel Refuerzo.

The orientation and pay-out event mark another milestone in CHED-CAR’s commitment to empowering students in their pursuit of higher education. The TDP-TES, a grant-in-aid program under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, provides Php 15,000 annually (Php 7,500 per semester) to eligible beneficiaries. This financial support aims to alleviate economic challenges, enabling students to focus on their studies and achieve their academic goals.

To learn more about programs under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, visit www.unifast.chedcar.com.