UniFAST

𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗗𝗣 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗟𝘂𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮)

To address information gaps and ensure the smooth, efficient implementation of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) for Academic Year 2026–2027, the regional orientation series on these major RA 10931 programs continued for Luzon Cluster 2. Held on June 17 in Laurel, Batangas, the event gathered representatives from the CHED Regional Offices of NCR, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and the Bicol Region.

UniFAST OIC Executive Director Septon De La Cruz provided vital updates on TES and TDP implementation, offering strong encouragement to participating CHED-UniFAST focal persons, accountants, and regional coordinators to do better this academic year.

CHED Bicol Regional Director Dr. Demetrio "Demi" Anduyan Jr. also joined the activity that gave attendees a platform to clarify details and discuss key provisions of the draft guidelines. This collaborative effort ensures an aligned, seamless, and effective rollout across all regions to better serve and benefit more students.

For a copy of the Revised TES and TDP Guidelines, click:
https://unifast.gov.ph/guidelines.html

𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗝𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵⚖ 🇵🇭

UniFAST joins the nation in celebrating Judiciary Month and the 125th Founding Anniversary of the Supreme Court, as declared under Presidential Proclamation No. 1265, s. 2026.

This observance highlights the vital role of the Judiciary in upholding the rule of law and ensuring the effective administration of justice. It also provides an opportunity to honor the service, integrity, and dedication of the men and women of the Philippine Judiciary, including those who contribute to the pursuit of truth, fairness, and public service.

Happy birthday to TESDA Director General and UniFAST Board Member, Sec. Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez! Greetings from the UniFAST Family ❣🥳

CHED Press Release
June 17, 2026

CHED Expedites Student Financial Assistance Amid Region XII Recovery Efforts

In the wake of the recent 7.8-magnitude earthquake, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) joins the nation in expressing solidarity with Mindanao, particularly General Santos City and the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Davao Occidental, and Davao del Sur. It echoes the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for a whole-of-nation action to help the affected communities.

On June 13, CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis traveled to Region XII to ensure the release of Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) assistance to 808 beneficiaries in General Santos City, Tacurong City, Koronadal City, and the municipality of Polomolok, with simultaneous distribution to 501 beneficiaries in other parts of the region.

CHED and UniFAST will continue the release of ₱764 million TES grants to 66,655 beneficiaries in Region XII, covering the second semester of A.Y. 2025–2026. This follows the distribution of ₱2.02 billion TES and Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) grants in April and May 2026, covering semesters even prior to the current CHED administration.

Since assuming office in June 2025, Chairperson Agrupis has intensified efforts to address backlogs in the release of grants and financial assistance to beneficiaries. CHED has initiated reforms to accelerate the implementation of the UAQTE Law, including a partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines to streamline subsidy distribution. CHED and UniFAST have also amended the TES and TDP guidelines to improve efficiency and ensure the timely delivery of assistance.

As we continue to carry out the President’s directive to expand and accelerate grants-in-aid programs for tertiary students, the Commission remains committed to providing meaningful support to our higher education learners promptly, especially during this time of recovery.

CHED PRESS RELEASE
June 14, 2026

CHED mobilizes student aid, assesses quake damages in Region 12 visit

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Commission on Higher Education (CHED), led by Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, visited Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) on June 13, 2026 to fast-track student financial assistance and personally lead the post-earthquake emergency response for local higher education institutions (HEIs).

Together with Regional Office Director Rody P. Garcia and Administrative, Financial, and Management Service Director Alma S. Patron, Chairperson Agrupis began her official visit with the ceremonial distribution of the UniFAST-Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) in Tacurong City, Koronadal City, and the Municipality of Polomolok, benefiting students from St. Alexius College, Inc., Marvelous College of Technology, Inc., Marbel School of Science and Technology, Goldenstate College of Koronadal City, Inc., STI College–Koronadal City, Inc., Notre Dame of Tacurong College, VMC Asian Colleges Foundation, Inc., and General Santos Academy, Inc. Under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931), the TES provides crucial financial support for tuition, books, transportation, and daily living expenses.

During the ceremony, Chairperson Agrupis emphasized the Marcos administration’s commitment that no Filipino student is left behind. “Time and time again, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reminds us that education is an investment. We are here to ensure that our scholars have the resources they need to finish their studies,” Chairperson Agrupis said.

Earthquake crisis briefing and ocular inspection of HEI

Following the distribution, the CHED Chairperson convened an emergency meeting with Region 12 HEI presidents and representatives to discuss the impact of the recent earthquake that shook parts of Mindanao, aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to conduct measures to ensure student safety and learning continuity.

University officials provided updates on the campus damage, academic continuity plans, and the safety of their students and faculty. Chairperson Agrupis highlighted the need for a more robust disaster-resilience protocol and standardized emergency response across HEIs.

Chairperson Agrupis also conducted a firsthand ocular inspection of the structural damage in Mindanao State University - General Santos (MSU-Gensan). CHED is currently coordinating with the respective university administrations and local government units to expedite the evaluation reports, which will serve as the baseline for CHED’s technical assistance and recovery deployment.

CHED PRESS RELEASE
June 12, 2026

𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗, 𝗣𝗖𝗔 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀’ 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀

PASAY CITY — For thousands of children of coconut farmers, a college degree feels out of reach simply because of financial constraints. This doesn't just hold these young people back from a better future—it also stunts the growth of one of our country's most vital farming sectors.

Aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to prioritize agriculture modernization and strengthen agricultural scholarships, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), led by Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis and Administrator Dexter R. Buted respectively, signed a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) revising the implementing guidelines of the Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and Their Families (CoScho) during CHED's 32nd Anniversary Celebration on June 10, 2026.

Under the revised guidelines, CHED and PCA will evaluate applicants through a more efficient, targeted, and transparent selection process, offering improved and more responsive scholarship packages to qualified beneficiaries nationwide.

For Academic Year 2026–2027, a total of 10,789 scholarship slots will be available under the program, including 3,965 continuing scholars and 6,824 new beneficiaries.

"The CoScho Program is an investment in the future of Filipino farming communities. By helping the children of coconut farmers earn college degrees, we are opening pathways to economic mobility while developing future professionals who can contribute to the modernization and sustainability of the coconut industry," said CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis.

A key feature of the program is its return service component, which encourages scholar-graduates to apply their knowledge and skills toward advancing the Philippine coconut industry, supporting innovation, productivity, and community development in coconut-growing areas.

The initiative reflects the government's commitment to making higher education more accessible to underserved sectors while aligning scholarship investments with national development priorities, particularly in agriculture and rural development.

The signing of the revised CoScho guidelines was among several major agreements and partnerships unveiled during CHED's anniversary celebration, highlighting the Commission's continuing efforts to expand educational opportunities and empower communities through higher education.

CHED PRESS RELEASE
June 12, 2026

𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗, 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗘𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

PASAY CITY — As schools nationwide face a growing demand for qualified guidance counselors and mental health professionals, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have joined forces to strengthen learner support systems through a landmark partnership that will expand the country's pool of guidance and counseling experts.

During CHED's 32nd Anniversary Celebration on June 10, 2026, CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis and DepEd Undersecretary Wilfredo Cabral, representing Secretary Sonny Angara, signed a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) establishing the Learning Initiatives for Nurturing Guidance Associates and Counselors Program (LINGAP), a scholarship initiative designed to equip education personnel with advanced training in Guidance and Counseling and Psychology.

The program will provide 870 scholarship slots for its first cohort in Academic Year 2026–2027, enabling qualified DepEd personnel to pursue graduate studies that will enhance the delivery of guidance and counseling services in schools.

"The well-being of our learners is fundamental to their academic success and personal development. Through LINGAP, we are investing in the professionals who serve as the first line of support for students facing academic, social, emotional, and mental health challenges," said CHED Chairperson Agrupis.

The partnership underscores the shared commitment of CHED and DepEd to building a stronger and more responsive learner support system across the Philippine education sector. By expanding opportunities for advanced studies in counseling and psychology, the program aims to address the shortage of qualified guidance professionals while promoting a culture of care, inclusion, and mental wellness in schools.

The LINGAP Program forms part of the government's broader efforts, under the directive of the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to advance mental health initiatives in education and ensure that Filipino learners have access to qualified professionals who can guide their holistic development and well-being.

The signing of the JMC was among several major partnerships and initiatives unveiled during CHED's anniversary celebration, reflecting the Commission's continued commitment to improving educational outcomes, strengthening institutional capacity, and responding to emerging national development needs.

CHED PRESS RELEASE
June 12, 2026

𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗, 𝗗𝗢𝗛 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲

PASAY CITY — As the Philippines continues to expand access to healthcare services under the Universal Health Care Act, the need for a well-trained, responsive, and adequately distributed healthcare workforce remains one of the country's most pressing challenges.

Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to address the gap in the healthcare workforce, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Health (DOH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during CHED's 32nd Anniversary Celebration on June 10, 2026, establishing a strengthened framework for collaboration in health workforce development and higher education quality enhancement.

Led by CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis and DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, the agreement formalizes cooperation between the two agencies to ensure that higher education programs in the health professions remain relevant, responsive, and aligned with the evolving needs of the country's healthcare system.

"Healthcare begins with people. By strengthening the link between higher education and the health sector, we can better prepare the next generation of Filipino health professionals and ensure that our institutions produce graduates equipped to respond to the nation's healthcare needs," said CHED Chairperson Agrupis.

Under the MOU, CHED and DOH will work together on initiatives that support health workforce planning and development, improve the quality and relevance of health-related academic programs, and strengthen evidence-based policymaking in health professions education.

The partnership is expected to contribute to the advancement of universal healthcare by helping ensure a sustainable pipeline of qualified health professionals, improving health outcomes, and promoting equitable access to quality health services across the country.

The agreement also reinforces the shared commitment of CHED and DOH to align education and workforce development strategies with national health priorities, enabling higher education institutions to play a more active role in addressing current and emerging healthcare challenges.

The signing of the MOU was among several strategic partnerships unveiled during CHED's anniversary celebration, highlighting the Commission's commitment to building stronger linkages across government sectors and ensuring that higher education remains responsive to the country's development goals.

Through this strengthened collaboration, CHED and DOH aim to help cultivate a future-ready health workforce capable of supporting a healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive Philippines.

📣𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬📢
𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗙𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹

The Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) has been made aware of a recent incident involving a Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) grantee who was deceived by an individual using a fake social media account that impersonated a member of UniFAST personnel, particularly a Regional Coordinator from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

𝗪𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴:
• UniFAST personnel will never request the return of scholarship or subsidy funds through personal bank accounts, e-wallets, GCash accounts, or private social media messages.
• Official communications and transactions are conducted only through recognized and authorized UniFAST, CHED, or partner institution channels.
• Do not share personal information, account details, passwords, PINs, or one-time passwords (OTPs) with anyone claiming to represent UniFAST.
• Always verify requests for information or financial transactions through official UniFAST offices, CHED Regional Offices, or your Higher Education Institution (HEI).
• Be cautious of messages that create a sense of urgency, use threats or intimidation, or instruct recipients to keep transactions confidential. These are common indicators of fraudulent activity.
• Immediately report suspicious messages, accounts, or transactions to UniFAST, your HEI, or the appropriate authorities.

The safety and welfare of our student beneficiaries remain our highest priority. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and rely only on official sources of information. Through collective awareness and responsible verification, we can prevent scammers from taking advantage of students and their families. UniFAST remains committed to ensuring that educational assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries safely, securely, and transparently.

(SIGNED)
𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗬. 𝗦𝗘𝗣𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗔. 𝗗𝗘 𝗟𝗔 𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗭, 𝘾𝙀𝙎𝙊 𝙄𝙄𝙄
OIC Executive Director

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗴𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗜𝗸𝗮-𝟭𝟮𝟴 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆𝗼 𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘀! 🇵🇭

Nakikiisa ang UniFAST sa pagdiriwang ng ika-128 anibersaryo ng ating kasarinlan. Alalahanin natin ang kagitingan, sakripisyo, at pagmamahal sa bayan ng mga Pilipinong nagbigay-daan sa kalayaang ating tinatamasa ngayon.

Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Makilahok sa mga sumusunod na pagdiriwang ng Araw ng Kalayaan:

6-7 June | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗣𝗦 (Government programs and Services)
Rizal Park Luneta
- booths of government agencies
- Kadiwa ng Pangulo

6 June | 7:00 am
𝗞𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗸𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗮𝗻
Open Air Auditorium, Rizal Park Luneta

8 June | 10:00 am
𝗞𝗮𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝘁: 𝗧𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗮 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘁
The Metropolitan Theater

10 June | 8:00 am
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗴-𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗮𝘆𝗮
Roxas Boulevard, Rizal Park Luneta

12 June | 7:00 am
𝗦𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗮𝗻

12 June | 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁: 𝗠𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗺𝗮
Metropolitan Theater

➡️ Download official posters:
bit.ly/Kalayaan2026posters

➡️ Flag and Heraldic Code:
bit.ly/FlagAndHeraldicCode2018