UniFAST Region 9

Congratulations to Watchel Basilio on your well-deserved promotion to Education Supervisor II at the CHED Regional Office in Zamboanga.

Since joining UniFAST in 2018, your hard work and capability as a Lead UniFAST Regional Coordinator have contributed to making a meaningful impact on the students and communities you have served.

Wishing you continued success and fulfillment as you carry on your work with UniFAST in transforming lives.

Congratulations once again!

UniFAST Region IX Conducts First Orientation for New and Continuing TES and TDP Grantees at Nuevo Zamboanga College, Inc. on Amended Guidelines for AY 2025-2026

UniFAST Regional Coordinators from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region IX recently conducted a comprehensive orientation regarding the amended guidelines of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP). These highly beneficial programs are vital components of Republic Act 10931, widely recognized as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA).

This highly anticipated orientation took place at the KCC Mall de Zamboanga in Zamboanga City. It was specifically organized for the student body of Nuevo Zamboanga College Inc., encompassing both the new and continuing batches of student grantees for the Academic Year 2024-2025. Gracing the significant event was the institution's president, Alan B. Dela Cruz, who stood in solidarity with the student beneficiaries. Also present to expertly navigate the specialized administrative processes was the dedicated UniFAST focal person, Ms. Hazel Torres.

The primary objective of this gathering was to distribute accurate, up-to-date information regarding the latest amendments and benefit adjustments under RA-10931. By clarifying the implementation mechanics of these subsidies, the orientation sought to empower students with the knowledge they need to reliably maintain their educational grants. Ultimately, the session reinforced CHED's steadfast commitment to ensuring that eligible learners in Region IX experience equitable and fully accessible educational opportunities.

Congratulations, Dr. Agrupis!
The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office IX warmly extends its sincerest congratulations to Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, on her recent appointments as Newly-Designated Commissioner of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines and Newly-Elected Chairperson of the UNACOM Education Committee.
Your exemplary leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to advancing higher education and strengthening international collaboration continue to inspire the academic community. May these new roles further broaden your influence in promoting inclusive, innovative, and globally responsive educational initiatives.
Once again, congratulations on these well-deserved achievements.

Congratulations, Dr. Agrupis!

The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office IX warmly extends its sincerest congratulations to Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, on her recent appointments as Newly-Designated Commissioner of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines and Newly-Elected Chairperson of the UNACOM Education Committee.

Your exemplary leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to advancing higher education and strengthening international collaboration continue to inspire the academic community. May these new roles further broaden your influence in promoting inclusive, innovative, and globally responsive educational initiatives.

Once again, congratulations on these well-deserved achievements.

Faster Grant Disbursement for UniFAST TES/TDP Grantees Through CHED-UniFAST–LANDBANK Partnership

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) formalized a strategic partnership on the final day of the Higher Education Summit held on March 12, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center, Pampanga.

CHED and UniFAST Board Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis and LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The partnership aims to strengthen scholarship and grants-in-aid disbursement systems for student beneficiaries and expand scholarship opportunities in agriculture and other priority fields.

Under the scholarship and grants-in-aid payout agreement, CHED, UniFAST, and LANDBANK will streamline the delivery of educational assistance to student beneficiaries nationwide by removing logistical hurdles that often delay its release.

The new system provides multiple channels for students to receive their grant benefits, including direct crediting to LANDBANK accounts and other bank accounts.

The Commission on Audit(COA) has conducted the Performance Audit and evaluation for the core programs of R. A.10931 or better known as Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act in Commission on Higher Education Region IX last February 24 to March 4, 2026.

The audit assessed the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of the program. Identified gaps and recommended improvement on its processes and implementation.

Anchored on the ACHIEVE Agenda of the Commission, this initiative and collaboration undercores the commitment of transparency and accountability.

PUBLIC ADVISORY

In response to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to implement a temporary four-day workweek in some government offices to conserve energy and reduce fuel use, the Commission on Higher Education and UniFAST adopt the new working hours of 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, effective March 9, 2026. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are non-working days.

Memorandum Circular No. 114 states that the order will cover all national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), local government units, constitutional bodies, state universities and colleges, and other government instrumentalities.

For additional details on the implementation of the directive, refer to
https://pco.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/20260306-MC-114-FRM.pdf

PUBLIC ADVISORY

In response to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to implement a temporary four-day workweek in some government offices to conserve energy and reduce fuel use, the Commission on Higher Education and UniFAST adopt the new working hours of 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, effective March 9, 2026. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are non-working days.

Memorandum Circular No. 114 states that the order will cover all national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), local government units, constitutional bodies, state universities and colleges, and other government instrumentalities. The adoption of a four (4)-day onsite work arrangement shall remain in effect until lifted or sooner revoked by the President.

For additional details on the implementation of the directive, refer to
https://pco.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/20260306-MC-114-FRM.pdf

“Advancing Access to Transformative and Quality Higher Education”, theme of last Coordination Meeting and Re- Orientation on the Salient Provisions of UAQTE Programs pursuant to Republic Act No. 10931.

Last February 23, 2026, the Commission on Higher Education Region IX and UniFAST under the leadership of Dr. Marivic V. Iriberri as the Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Director IV convened all the participating higher education institutions of Region IX and BARMM A to provide updates on policies and recent developments on the programs under R. A. 10931, strengthen HEI’s capacity to implement policies and guidelines through a clear operational guidance, review and streamline processes, and foster open dialogue among focal persons and regional coordinators.

Presidents of Higher Education Institutions, focals and school representatives together with CHED Officials were present during the meeting.

Last February 11, 2026, the CHED UniFAST Regional Unit IX and BARMM 15A conducted a virtual coordination meeting to discuss the TDP guidelines and procedures, particularly focusing on the implementation of the additional one-time allowance for TDP grantees for the First Semester of Academic Year 2024–2025. During the meeting, Dr. Clarissa C. Alvarez, Officer-in-Charge and Supervising Education Program Specialist, in her capacity as the new UniFAST Focal Head, shared her insights on the value of the scholarship and grant programs. Regional Coordinators, Scholarship Directors, and TDP Focal Persons were in attendance at the meeting.




and BARMM 15A