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

In a continuing effort to strengthen student support services, the Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR), through its UniFAST Unit, successfully conducted an orientation for the new Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and TDP-TES beneficiaries of Data Center College of the Philippines (DCCP) – Bangued on April 20, 2026.

A total of 365 student-grantees attended the session. Ms. Jezeny O. Laoyan, Lead Regional Coordinator of the UniFAST Unit, presented the roles and responsibilities of the grantees. She emphasized the importance of maximizing the benefits of the program and carefully outlined the grounds for termination, reminding participants to uphold accountability and make the most of their educational opportunities.

To ensure smooth financial transactions, the orientation also included a session on Landbank account opening, facilitated in partnership with the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) Northwest Luzon Branches Group (NWLBG). Department Manager Mr. Rolando B. Jaquias of LBP Bangued Branch, together with Ms. Rizza A. Villanueva, guided the beneficiaries through the application process. This initiative directly responds to the call to expedite stipend releases, ensuring that financial assistance will be credited to beneficiaries.

By the end of the program, 187 participants successfully completed their LBP account applications, marking a significant step toward efficient grant distribution.

The activity was organized in collaboration with DCCP-Abra, led by UniFAST Focal Person Ms. Anastacia Tagura along with Ms. Jessica Valencia, who provided on-site support to assist the beneficiaries throughout the orientation. Their active involvement highlighted the strong partnership between CHED-CAR UniFAST and DCCP-Abra in advancing student welfare.

This orientation not only equipped the new TES and TDP-TES beneficiaries with essential knowledge about their responsibilities but also ensured that financial support mechanisms are in place. With these measures, CHED-CAR UniFAST reaffirms its commitment to empowering students and enabling them to pursue higher education with greater confidence and stability.