The Commission on Higher Education – Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (CHED-UniFAST) of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) conducted a monitoring meeting and formalized a media partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Apayao State College (ASC) yesterday, May 6, held at MITHI Building, ASC-Luna Campus, underscoring its commitment to delivering inclusive and high-caliber tertiary education.
The CHED-UniFAST CAR officials are Regional Coordinators Marife Calimodag and Jennylyn Pataras, who convened with Dr. Philip Constantine L. Mandac, ASC’s UniFAST Focal Person, and key personnel overseeing the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Tulong Dunong Program (TDP). These programs fall under Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA).
During the meeting, CHED-UniFAST officials provided updated guidelines for TES and status of implementation and revised TDP Guidelines.
ASC President Dr. John N. Cabansag reaffirmed the College’s commitment to inclusive education. “ASC is here for the students to avail quality education,” he said.
Likewise, Dr. Ronald O. Ocampo, Vice President for Academics, Research Development and Extension Services, emphasized that through these regular monitoring activities, the aim is not only to ensure compliance but also to strengthen transparency and accountability across all partner institutions.
In a related development, both parties formalized a MOA launching “UAQTEA TIME,” a dedicated one-hour radio segment on ASC Radio Station. The program aims to promote awareness among students and the public about RA No. 10931, stressing consistent and accessible information dissemination.
Headed by Associate Professor Sonia A. Belarde, station manager of ASC Radio, the agreement states that ASC will provide free airtime to highlight the UAQTEA and its programs. Each episode will feature at least one TES beneficiary sharing their testimonials.
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/INFO UNIT
