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

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) successfully concluded its thorough monitoring of six higher education institutions (HEIs) in Kalinga from April 22 to 24, 2025. This initiative is part of CHED-UniFAST CAR’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of financial assistance programs under Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. These programs are designed to enhance access to quality education by providing financial support to eligible students.

The monitoring activities assessed the compliance and implementation of these assistance programs within the institutions, affirming CHED UniFAST CAR’s dedication to upholding educational standards and widening opportunities for Filipino learners.The following six institutions were part of the monitoring visit:

• St. Tonis College Inc.
• Cordillera A+ Computer Technology College
• Kalinga College of Sciences and Technology
• International School of Asia and the Pacific – Kalinga
• Saint Louis College of Bulanao
• Kalinga State University

During the visits, the CHED-UniFAST CAR team conducted brief orientation to the personnel, reviewed liquidation submissions, and held discussions with key personnel from each institution. The primary objective was to assess the implementation of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), Tulong Dunong Program (TDP), and regional initiatives like the Project SAGIP.

Additionally, the monitoring served as an opportunity to assess the challenges faced by both students and institutions in the region, particularly in the areas of financial aid disbursement, student retention, and academic support services.

The visits also emphasized the importance of collaboration between CHED-UniFAST and its partner HEIs to address the evolving educational needs of the region, especially in light of recent educational trends and challenges.

The team identified key areas for improvement, including enhancing the efficiency of financial aid disbursement, increasing awareness of available programs, and addressing challenges faced by institutions in reaching underserved areas. As a result of these monitoring efforts, CHED-UniFAST CAR aims to improve the implementation and outreach of its financial assistance programs to ensure that more students benefit from UAQTEA programs.