CHED-UNIFAST CORDILLERA

04/09/2026

CHED PRESS RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

PBBM Signs Expanded Free Higher Education Law for Disadvantaged Learners

CITY OF MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12325, or “An Act Enhancing the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act,” expanding government support for poor and disadvantaged Filipino learners pursuing higher education and technical-vocational education.

Signed on September 4 at Malacañang, the new law amends Republic Act No. 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act) to expand and better target government assistance for disadvantaged learners, with qualified students from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households given first priority.

The stronger prioritization seeks to ensure that government assistance reaches more learners from the poorest families. The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) found that while free higher education significantly increased college participation among poor households, many 4Ps learners still had difficulty accessing TES. In Academic Year 2024–2025, only 4,746, or 1.23 percent, of 384,388 4Ps senior high school completers accessed TES as first-year beneficiaries.

The measure forms part of President Marcos’ push to make quality education more accessible and help more Filipino learners overcome the financial barriers that can keep them from completing their studies.

“Today’s ceremonial signing reaffirms our long-term commitment to expanding access to quality tertiary education for every Filipino. We will sustain this support year after year, because every learner who completes a college degree or TVET program opens greater opportunities for their family and helps build a more skilled, productive, and empowered nation,” President Marcos said.

CHED Chairperson and UniFAST Board Chair Shirley C. Agrupis witnessed the ceremonial signing together with Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Kiko Benitez, reflecting the One Education approach of DepEd, CHED, and TESDA in providing more connected support for Filipino learners from basic education to higher and technical-vocational education.

Chairperson Agrupis said CHED and UniFAST will work with partner agencies to ensure that the expanded benefits of the law reach the students who need them most.

“Free tuition opened the doors of higher education to millions of Filipinos, but getting into college is only the first step. We also have to help our students stay in school and finish, especially those whose families struggle with the everyday costs of pursuing a degree,” Chairperson Agrupis said.

The law also expands the assistance that qualified TES beneficiaries may receive. This includes additional support for internships and Related Learning Experience (RLE), as well as other allowances for economically disadvantaged students who face added costs in pursuing their education.

Students who qualify for TES will continue receiving the subsidy for the regular duration of their program. Those unable to finish on time because of economic hardship, health concerns, disasters, or other reasons may also receive up to one additional year of support, subject to evaluation and approval.

The amended law also creates Private Education Assistance (PEA) for poor and deserving students who wish to enroll in priority programs offered by qualified private higher education institutions and technical-vocational institutions.

Public colleges, universities, and state-run technical-vocational institutions will also be required to put in place measures to help disadvantaged students enter and finish tertiary education. These may include waived admission examination fees, assistive technologies, and priority access to available dormitories.

CHED, TESDA, UniFAST, and other concerned agencies will next prepare the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to guide the implementation of the expanded benefits under RA No. 12325. # # #

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

𝗣𝗕𝗕𝗠 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12325, or “An Act Enhancing the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act,” expanding government support for poor and disadvantaged Filipino learners pursuing higher education and technical-vocational education.

Signed on September 4 at Malacañang, the new law amends Republic Act No. 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act) to expand and better target government assistance for disadvantaged learners—especially qualified students from 4Ps households—and establish a private education assistance program for students enrolled in priority programs.

The measure forms part of President Marcos’ push to make quality education more accessible and help more Filipino learners overcome the financial barriers that can keep them from completing their studies.

READ MORE: https://ched.gov.ph/press-releases/823

03/09/2026

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗬𝗘𝗣–𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻!

The first day of the four day YEP–Project MARITES training, held from September 1–4, 2026 at The Orchard Hotel in Baguio City, set a strong foundation for an engaging and transformative learning experience. Mentees were introduced to core entrepreneurial concepts, beginning with their first steps as aspiring entrepreneurs, followed by sessions on design thinking, market mapping, customer empathy, business idea generation, and the Business Model Canvas. These workshops equipped participants with essential tools to understand their target customers, refine their ideas, and begin shaping their initial business models.

Day 1 was further energized by the support of partner agencies as key regional leaders graced the opening program. Dr. Serafin L. Ngohayon, CHED CAR OIC Regional Director, joined via Zoom, extending his encouragement and reaffirming CHED’s commitment to empowering mentees through meaningful capacity building initiatives. Atty. Samuel Gallardo, Assistant Regional Director of DTI CAR, and Ms. Menzie O. Kuengan, Supervising Education Program Specialist of CHED CAR, also delivered inspiring messages that emphasized youth innovation and entrepreneurial resilience.

YEP–Project MARITES is a joint initiative of DTI CAR and CHED CAR, in cooperation with the State Universities and Colleges of the Cordillera Administrative Region, and in collaboration with the City of Baguio SIGLAT Youth Innovation Hub and the University of the Philippines Baguio – SILBI.

03/09/2026

"First, I am deeply grateful that I am able to finish my college studies. My family has been my greatest support, who continually encourages me to continue when I was giving up during my earlier college years. I understand our family is not well financially, but I see how my parents work hard to provide, doing everything they can just to send us allowances, and I know that every money they send counts.

I am thankful of the Tulong Dunong Program of the CHED-UniFAST. This financial assistance has been a great help in my school expenses that I was able to pay them on time, with some extra for my personal expenses. I am thankful for this support from CHED-UniFAST, and I will continue to work hard with the degree I’ve got to finish, for this is a great reminder for all the support that I have not earned, but I had unconditionally received all throughout."

ZOREN B. BUGATAN
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY - MAIN
TDP-TES GRANTEE

01/09/2026

"I’m writing this letter to share my sincere appreciation for receiving the TDP-TES grant. This generous support has been crucial in my academic journey, enabling me to concentrate on my studies without the weight of financial worries. Coming from a family with limited resources, the help from this program has eased the burden on my parents and motivated me to work harder towards my aspirations.

Thanks to the TDP-TES grant, I’ve been able to manage essential academic costs like school supplies and transportation. It has not only relieved financial concerns but also enhanced my confidence and sense of responsibility. Being selected as a beneficiary has encouraged me to be more committed to my studies and to fully utilize the opportunity presented to me.

I am genuinely grateful for the support from the TDP-TES grant. It has empowered many students like myself to pursue and create a brighter future. I hope this program continues to expand and assist more deserving students throughout the country. Once again, thank you for believing in our dreams and investing in our potential."

ALIZA B. CAUD, LPT
BACHELOR OF SECONDARY EDUCATION MAJOR IN ENGLISH
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY-MAIN
TDP-TES GRANTEE

31/08/2026

Please be guided accordingly. Keep safe everyone! 🧡

𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗙𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝟬𝟭

Pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 133, government offices shall implement appropriate alternative work arrangements, while alternative learning modes and learning continuity measures shall be implemented for classes at all levels in public and private schools on September 01, 2026, in anticipation of continued heavy rainfall associated with the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat):

📍 Ilocos Norte
📍 Ilocos Sur
📍 La Union
📍 Pangasinan
📍 Abra
📍 Benguet
📍 Kalinga
📍 Mountain Province
📍 Apayao
📍 Batanes
📍 Nueva Vizcaya
📍 Zambales
📍 Tarlac
📍 Pampanga
📍 Bataan

Agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other vital services shall continue their operations and render the necessary services.

The suspension of work or adoption of alternative work arrangements in the private sector shall be left to the discretion of management.

30/08/2026

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗶! 🇵🇭
"𝘿𝙞𝙬𝙖 𝙣𝙜 𝙆𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙝𝙖𝙣, 𝙇𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣"

Nakikiisa ang UniFAST sa buong sambayanan sa paggunita ng Pambansang Araw ng mga Bayani (National Heroes Day) ngayong Agosto 31, 2026, bilang pagkilala at pagpupugay sa mga bayaning Pilipino na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay, tapang, at paglilingkod para sa kalayaan at kinabukasan ng ating bayan.

Ating alalahanin ang mga bayani ng ating kasaysayan at gawin silang inspirasyon upang patuloy nating isabuhay ang pagmamahal sa bayan, malasakit sa kapwa, at tapat na paglilingkod sa ating komunidad.

Patuloy ang UniFAST sa paghahatid ng mga programa sa ilalim ng Republic Act No. 10931, na naglalayong palawakin ang akses ng mga Pilipino sa de-kalidad na edukasyon at suportahan ang mga mag-aaral sa kanilang pag-abot sa kanilang mga pangarap.

Mabuhay ang mga bayaning Pilipino!🇵🇭

27/08/2026

𝐓urning 𝐄ducation into 𝐒uccess | Congratulations to our TES and TDP beneficiaries who passed the 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! Your CHED-UniFAST CAR Fam is so proud of you! 🎉🥳

To know more about the programs under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, message us at CHED-UNIFAST CORDILLERA or visit unifast.chedcar.com.

27/08/2026

"I am deeply and sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have received the TES Grant. This generous support has been invaluable in allowing me to continue my education at Benguet State University, a public institution dedicated to providing quality education to all.

TES has significantly reduced my financial burden, enabling me to focus on my studies and contribute to the vibrant learning environment at Benguet State University.

I am profoundly thankful for this incredible opportunity and committed to making the most of it, contributing positively to my community upon graduation.

Thank you, TES, for your transformative investment in my future and your support of public education."

JEANETTE M. CARIAGA, LPT
BACHELOR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY - MAIN
TES BENEFICIARY