Regional implementers of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) from across Mindanao convened for the Mindanao Cluster Orientation on the 2026 Revised Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) Guidelines held on July 22, 2026, at Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental. The orientation brought together CHED-UniFAST Focal Persons, UniFAST Accountants, and Regional Coordinators from Regions IX, X, XI, XII, BARMM-A, BARMM-B, and Caraga to strengthen the implementation of the revised TES and TDP guidelines and promote a more harmonized delivery of student financial assistance programs across the Mindanao cluster.
The activity was led by Atty. Septon A. Dela Cruz, OIC- Executive Director of UniFAST, who underscored the importance of the updated guidelines in ensuring the effective, transparent, and responsive implementation of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Tulong Dunong Program (TDP).
CHED Caraga, led by Regional Director Dr. Nelia A. Alibin, participated in the orientation together with Education Supervisor and Scholarship/UniFAST In-Charge Mr. Ever Joy G. Rabadan and the CHED Caraga UniFAST Regional Coordinators. Alongside their counterparts from across the Mindanao cluster, the delegation engaged in discussions, clarified operational concerns, and exchanged best practices to further strengthen the implementation of UniFAST programs.
Through its continued participation in capacity-building activities, CHED Caraga reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the implementation of UniFAST programs and ensuring greater access to quality higher education for deserving students across the Caraga Region.