UniFAST

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Statement on CHED’s ‘nonpayment’ of TES for grantees enrolled for AY 2021-2022 and AY 2022-2023 Press Release \| April 17, 2024 This is to respond to the recent news reports on a complaint filed against me for the negligence of duties and responsibilities as a public official rooted in the alleged non-disbursement of the TES tranches for AYs 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.
CHED remains one of top-performing, most trusted gov't agencies for Q1 2024 Press Release \| April 17, 2024 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) maintained its position as among the top government agencies with high performance and trust ratings on the latest survey of the OCTA Research, manifesting continued effective delivery of services and commitment to provide equitable and inclusive higher education.
Statement on Senator Risa Hontiveros’ claim on the P7-billion “questionable releases” under CHED Press Release \| August 11, 2022 We take seriously the allegations raised by Senator Risa Hontiveros that CHED-UniFAST has nearly P7-Billion "questionable releases" for the implementation of its programs.
DBM lauds CHED’s physical, financial and income performance Press Release \| July 18, 2022 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) not only met but exceeded its physical targets for 2021, with some indicators recording notably high accomplishment rates for the period of January to December 2021.
UniFAST attains 99.67% fund utilization for RA 10931 implementation in FY 2020 Press Release \| March 2, 2022 The Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), an attached agency of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), posts a 99.67% overall budget utilization rate (BUR) of its continuing Fiscal Year 2020 allotment for the implementation of programs under RA 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act).
CHED lauds appointment of CSU representative to receive its reimbursement of fees under UAQTE Press Release \| December 21, 2021 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) commends the Board of Regents of Cagayan State University (CSU) for its timely passage of a Board Resolution appointing Dr. Mariden Cauilan as the duly designated representative of the CSU in signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) in order to receive the university's reimbursement of tuition and miscellaneous fees under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE).
CHED, UniFAST, FDCP launch short film lab and filmmaking workshop for RA 10931 beneficiaries Press Release \| August 27, 2021 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) successfully reached all of its physicaltargets, with some indicators recording notably high accomplishment rates.
CHED facilitates release of TES grants to qualified St. Vincent de Ferrer College of Camarin Inc. students Press Release \| July 22, 2021 CHED facilitates release of TES grants to qualified St. Vincent de Ferrer College of Camarin Inc. students SVDFCCI is a private higher education institution (HEI) in Caloocan City and belongs to one of the cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) where there is no existing state university and college (SUC) or a CHED-recognized local college and university (LUC).
CHED warns public on individuals posing as UniFAST representatives to solicit money for TES program eligibility Press Release \| June 30, 2021 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is warning higher education institutions (HEIs), students and their parents, against individuals and/or groups representing themselves as officials and personnel of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST). UniFAST is an attached agency of CHED and the primary implementer of Free Higher Education (FHE) and the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program under Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education law.
DBM lauds CHED’s 2020 physical, financial and income performance amidst COVID-19 Press Release \| June 28, 2021 DBM lauds CHED’s 2020 physical, financial and income performance amidst COVID-19 This is the evaluation of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) after the monitoring and review of agency performance, particularly agency utilization of government funds vis-a-vis plans/targets for the period January to December of FY 2020.
CHED assists private HEIs in BARMM to qualify for Free Higher Education Press Release \| June 19, 2021 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is helping seventeen (17)private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to be included in the CHED Registry to benefit from the programs under Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Accessto Quality Tertiary Education Law. These 17 private HEIs (see attached list) and their offered programs were found to be compliant with all the policies, standards, and guidelines of CHEDin Academic Year 2020-2021 and have been given the Certificate of Government Recognition (COPC).
Newly CHED-recognized Quezon City now qualifies to free higher education under Republic Act 10931 Press Release \| June 17, 2021 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) lead the awarding of the Institutional Recognition (IR) to Quezon City University (QCU), making its 8,000 students eligible for free higher education (FHE) and the tertiary education subsidy (TES) under Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Act of 2017 (UAQTEA). CHED and Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Board Chairman Popoy De Vera, together with UniFAST OIC Executive Director Atty. Ryan Estevez and Commissioners Aldrin Darilag and Ronald Adamat graced the awarding of the Gawad Parangal trophy to Quezon City University.
Statement on the accusation that the CHED Chairman uses the UniFAST funds as leverage against CSU president Press Release \| June 13, 2021 This is in response to a published letter in the Manila Times addressed to members of Congress accusing me, among other things, of withholding the funds allegedly due to Cagayan State University (CSU) from RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education law (UAQTE), because I supposedly refuse to recognize the appointment of Dr. Urdujah Tejada as CSU President and appointed an Officer-in-Charge for the University.
CHED marks first National Higher Education Day with vaccination of education frontliners Press Release \| May 18, 2021 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the City Government of Manila jointly conducted on May 18, a symbolic vaccination of higher education frontliners to highlight their importance in ensuring the continuous operation of schools in the midst of the pandemic. CHED and Unified Student Financial System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Board Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III joined Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Manila Vice Mayor Maria Sheilah ‘Honey’ Lacuna-Pangan, and Universidad de Manila (UDM) officials, led by University President Maria Lourdes Tiquia, in a ceremonial vaccination of 100 UDM employees to ensure that they continue to receive and process student requirements such as clearances, transcript of records, and other credentials as the academic year nears its end.
More students in 18 local colleges in the Bicol Region now benefit from RA 10931 Press Release \| May 11, 2021 More than 27,000 students enrolled in 18 local colleges in the Bicol Region now benefit from programs under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 or Republic Act 10931 particularly the Free Higher Education (FHE) and Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES). Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Board Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III led the Gawad Parangal rites for 18 local colleges at the New Blossoms Convention Hall in Tagas, Daraga, Albay. He was accompanied by Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda, CHED Commissioner Aldrin Darilag, UniFAST OIC Executive Director Ryan Estevez and CHEDRO V Regional Director Freddie Bernal.
Two local colleges in MIMAROPA get CHED recognition to avail benefits of RA 10931 Press Release \| March 15, 2021 Students of two local colleges in MIMAROPA will now be assured of quality education as the Baco Community College and City College of Calapan (CCC) in Mindoro Oriental get the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) institutional recognition and Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) to implement the programs under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 or Republic Act 10931. CHED and Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Board Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III led the awarding of trophies and certificates of eligibility to the two local universities and colleges (LUCs) in a Gawad Parangal ceremony held within the campus of CCC, which coincides with its 13th Founding Anniversary celebration.
Additional financial assistance for TES beneficiaries now available Press Release \| March 5, 2021 Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) beneficiaries who are taking licensure examinations after completing their degrees can now claim additional financial assistance from the government through the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) TES 3-B. This is after the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and UniFAST Board Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III signed Memorandum Circular No. 1, series of 2021 or the Supplemental Guidelines on the Disbursement of Additional Grants for Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Beneficiaries in Programs Requiring Professional License of Certification or TES-3B.
TES beneficiaries to receive stipends in a timely, safe and convenient manner under new CHED/UNIFAST-LANDBANK system Press Release \| January 16, 2021 Student beneficiaries of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) can now easily and safely receive their stipends amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with the launching of the LANDBANK Mastercard Prepaid Card (LMPC) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) and LANDBANK of the Philippines. The partnership of the three government agencies is the latest initiative in the implementation of the TES Program to address the challenges of disbursing the financial assistance to more than 700,000 TES and Tulong Dunong Program grantees during the pandemic.
CHED and UniFAST vow more scholarships for IP communities Press Release \| January 12, 2021 Student beneficiaries of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) can now easily and safely receive their stipends amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with the launching of the LANDBANK Mastercard Prepaid Card (LMPC) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) and LANDBANK of the Philippines. The increased attention for IP students was announced by De Vera during his meeting with Nueva Vizcaya Governor Carlos M. Padilla, IP Board Member Sammy Balinhawang, Santa Fe Mayor Tidong A. Benito and leaders from ten (10) tribal groups held in the upland barangay of Malico, Nueva Vizcaya recently
54,761 private school students benefit from Bayanihan 2 subsidy Press Release \| January 12, 2021 A total of 54,761 private school students who have unpaid tuition and miscellaneous fees have received a grant of five thousand pesos (P5,000) under the Bayanihan 2 for Higher Education Tulong Program (B2HELP) implemented by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The P300M fund for the B2HELP is part of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) or Republic Act 11494 signed into law by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on September 11, 2020 to jump start the economy and provide additional amelioration assistance to affected Filipinos.
SUCs, LUCs not getting paid for noncompliance with government rules - CHED Press Release \| September 18, 2020 State universities and colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) that fail to comply with requirements of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) cannot received their reimbursement of tuition and miscellaneous fees under the Free Higher Education (FHE) program. This was stated by CHED and UniFAST Board Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III in response to the questions raised by several members of the House of Representatives during the budget deliberation on the proposed 2021 budget of CHED at the House of Representatives.
CHED calls out on remaining private colleges and universities with no TES billing submissions Press Release \| August 18, 2020 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) urge the remaining private higher education institutions (HEIs) that have not done their Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) billing submissions at the TES Management System (TMS) Portal to immediately comply with the requirements of the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), an organization that processes and endorses TES billing claims of private HEIs to CHED and UniFAST for payment, resulting in the delay of disbursements of TES stipends for Academic Year 2019-2020. On June 9, 2020, CHED released a list of 264 private HEIs with no billing submissions to PEAC thus affecting more than 6,000 TES grantees waiting for their educational government subsidy.
TES stipends released to more than 292,000 grantees for A.Y. 2019-2020 Press Release \| July 26, 2020 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) has started the release of additional Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) stipends to 292,438 grantees in both public and private higher education institutions (HEIs). The new releases were due to the downloading of P6-billion by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to CHED recently. The grantees who will receive the TES are the following:
PLLO Undersecretary Ryan Estevez designated as new UniFAST OIC-Executive Director Press Release \| June 22, 2020 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has approved the designation of Atty. Ryan Legisniana Estevez as Officer-in-Charge/Executive Director of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST). Prior to his designation as OIC-Executive Director, Atty. Estevez served as Undersecretary of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) in the House of Representatives. Prior to his designation as OIC-Executive Director, Atty. Estevez served as Undersecretary of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) in the House of Representatives.
PHEIs with No submission of billing statements Press Release \| June 9, 2020
264 private colleges and universities have yet to submit billing requirements for the release of TES stipends Press Release \| June 9, 2020 Two hundred sixty-four (264) private higher education institutions (HEIs) have yet to submit their billing requirements to the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) resulting in delay in the processing and disbursing of Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) stipends to some 6,628 qualified student-grantees. Under the TES program, students enrolled in private HEIs who are eligible for TES will receive PhP 60,000.00 per academic year if they belong to the Listahanan 2.0 of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or they reside and study in private HEIs in cities and municipalities where there is no public university. The TES benefit is used by students to pay for their tuition, miscellaneous fees, and other school expenses.
CHED contributes P15B for COVID-19 response Press Release \| June 7, 2020 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) contributed P15-billion to augment funds for state-led initiatives in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide economic relief to poor and vulnerable groups who are most affected by the economic fallout from this global health crisis. “CHED’s contribution of P15,317,631,000 is one of the biggest single agency support to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte for the entire nation to raise funds to support mitigating strategies in responding to the present health crisis,” said CHED Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III.
Statement on the temporary suspension of application for CHED Merit Scholarship Program Press Release \| May 22, 2020 This is to clarify what has appeared in the media after my presentation in the Senate Committee of the Whole hearing yesterday, 21 May 2020. The media reports gave the impression that all Commission on Higher Education (CHED) scholarship programs are being cut due to the implementation of National Budget Circular (NBC) No. 580 by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
CHED and UNIFAST release TES stipends to 120,000 grantees in private universities Press Release \| May 15,2020 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) continue to make Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) stipends available to grantees enrolled in private higher education institutions (PHEIs) as the country copes with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released the amount of P3.6 billion to cover the partial payment of TES benefits to grantees enrolled in 404 PHEIs for the 1st semester of Academic Year 2019-2020.
Initial List of PHEIs with TES Release for 1st Semester AY 2019-2020 Press Release \| May 15,2020
TES stipends now available to grantees in SUCs and LUCs amid COVID-19 outbreak Press Release \| March 29, 2020 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) continue the release of funds for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Program to grantees in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and CHED-recognized local universities and colleges (LUCs) for Academic Year 2019-2020 while the COVID19 pandemic continues to affect the country. CHED has released TES funds to the following 51 SUCs and LUCs and will continue downloading the subsidy even during the Enhanced Community Quarantine caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic.
CHED Guidelines on 2019-nCoV Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Mitigation of the Spread of the 2019-Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Diseas (2019-nCov ARD) in Higher Education Institutions(HEIs)
CHED expands financial assistance to IPs in Nueva Vizcaya Press Release \| February 18,2020 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) continues to expand access to quality higher education by providing additional financial assistance to students belonging to indigenous peoples (IPs) in the province of Nueva Vizcaya. CHED Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III visited Nueva Vizcaya recently in his continuing “Listening Tour” entitled “Pannakisarita” (dialogue) with the students, faculty and staff of higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Cagayan Valley and took the opportunity to award additional Tulong Dunong benefits to 150 members of IPs identified by village elders and communities in the region.

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Statement on CHED’s ‘nonpayment’ of TES for grantees enrolled for AY 2021-2022 and AY 2022-2023 Press Release \| April 17, 2024 This is to respond to the recent news reports on a complaint filed against me for the negligence of duties and responsibilities as a public official rooted in the alleged non-disbursement of the TES tranches for AYs 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.
CHED remains one of top-performing, most trusted gov't agencies for Q1 2024 Press Release \| April 17, 2024 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) maintained its position as among the top government agencies with high performance and trust ratings on the latest survey of the OCTA Research, manifesting continued effective delivery of services and commitment to provide equitable and inclusive higher education.
Statement on Senator Risa Hontiveros’ claim on the P7-billion “questionable releases” under CHED Press Release \| August 11, 2022 We take seriously the allegations raised by Senator Risa Hontiveros that CHED-UniFAST has nearly P7-Billion "questionable releases" for the implementation of its programs.
DBM lauds CHED’s physical, financial and income performance Press Release \| July 18, 2022 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) not only met but exceeded its physical targets for 2021, with some indicators recording notably high accomplishment rates for the period of January to December 2021.
UniFAST attains 99.67% fund utilization for RA 10931 implementation in FY 2020 Press Release \| March 2, 2022 The Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), an attached agency of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), posts a 99.67% overall budget utilization rate (BUR) of its continuing Fiscal Year 2020 allotment for the implementation of programs under RA 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act).
CHED lauds appointment of CSU representative to receive its reimbursement of fees under UAQTE Press Release \| December 21, 2021 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) commends the Board of Regents of Cagayan State University (CSU) for its timely passage of a Board Resolution appointing Dr. Mariden Cauilan as the duly designated representative of the CSU in signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) in order to receive the university's reimbursement of tuition and miscellaneous fees under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE).
CHED, UniFAST, FDCP launch short film lab and filmmaking workshop for RA 10931 beneficiaries Press Release \| August 27, 2021 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) successfully reached all of its physicaltargets, with some indicators recording notably high accomplishment rates.
CHED facilitates release of TES grants to qualified St. Vincent de Ferrer College of Camarin Inc. students Press Release \| July 22, 2021 CHED facilitates release of TES grants to qualified St. Vincent de Ferrer College of Camarin Inc. students SVDFCCI is a private higher education institution (HEI) in Caloocan City and belongs to one of the cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) where there is no existing state university and college (SUC) or a CHED-recognized local college and university (LUC).
CHED warns public on individuals posing as UniFAST representatives to solicit money for TES program eligibility Press Release \| June 30, 2021 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is warning higher education institutions (HEIs), students and their parents, against individuals and/or groups representing themselves as officials and personnel of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST). UniFAST is an attached agency of CHED and the primary implementer of Free Higher Education (FHE) and the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program under Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education law.
DBM lauds CHED’s 2020 physical, financial and income performance amidst COVID-19 Press Release \| June 28, 2021 DBM lauds CHED’s 2020 physical, financial and income performance amidst COVID-19 This is the evaluation of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) after the monitoring and review of agency performance, particularly agency utilization of government funds vis-a-vis plans/targets for the period January to December of FY 2020.
CHED assists private HEIs in BARMM to qualify for Free Higher Education Press Release \| June 19, 2021 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is helping seventeen (17)private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to be included in the CHED Registry to benefit from the programs under Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Accessto Quality Tertiary Education Law. These 17 private HEIs (see attached list) and their offered programs were found to be compliant with all the policies, standards, and guidelines of CHEDin Academic Year 2020-2021 and have been given the Certificate of Government Recognition (COPC).
Newly CHED-recognized Quezon City now qualifies to free higher education under Republic Act 10931 Press Release \| June 17, 2021 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) lead the awarding of the Institutional Recognition (IR) to Quezon City University (QCU), making its 8,000 students eligible for free higher education (FHE) and the tertiary education subsidy (TES) under Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Act of 2017 (UAQTEA). CHED and Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Board Chairman Popoy De Vera, together with UniFAST OIC Executive Director Atty. Ryan Estevez and Commissioners Aldrin Darilag and Ronald Adamat graced the awarding of the Gawad Parangal trophy to Quezon City University.
Statement on the accusation that the CHED Chairman uses the UniFAST funds as leverage against CSU president Press Release \| June 13, 2021 This is in response to a published letter in the Manila Times addressed to members of Congress accusing me, among other things, of withholding the funds allegedly due to Cagayan State University (CSU) from RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education law (UAQTE), because I supposedly refuse to recognize the appointment of Dr. Urdujah Tejada as CSU President and appointed an Officer-in-Charge for the University.
CHED marks first National Higher Education Day with vaccination of education frontliners Press Release \| May 18, 2021 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the City Government of Manila jointly conducted on May 18, a symbolic vaccination of higher education frontliners to highlight their importance in ensuring the continuous operation of schools in the midst of the pandemic. CHED and Unified Student Financial System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Board Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III joined Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Manila Vice Mayor Maria Sheilah ‘Honey’ Lacuna-Pangan, and Universidad de Manila (UDM) officials, led by University President Maria Lourdes Tiquia, in a ceremonial vaccination of 100 UDM employees to ensure that they continue to receive and process student requirements such as clearances, transcript of records, and other credentials as the academic year nears its end.
More students in 18 local colleges in the Bicol Region now benefit from RA 10931 Press Release \| May 11, 2021 More than 27,000 students enrolled in 18 local colleges in the Bicol Region now benefit from programs under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 or Republic Act 10931 particularly the Free Higher Education (FHE) and Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES). Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Board Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III led the Gawad Parangal rites for 18 local colleges at the New Blossoms Convention Hall in Tagas, Daraga, Albay. He was accompanied by Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda, CHED Commissioner Aldrin Darilag, UniFAST OIC Executive Director Ryan Estevez and CHEDRO V Regional Director Freddie Bernal.
Two local colleges in MIMAROPA get CHED recognition to avail benefits of RA 10931 Press Release \| March 15, 2021 Students of two local colleges in MIMAROPA will now be assured of quality education as the Baco Community College and City College of Calapan (CCC) in Mindoro Oriental get the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) institutional recognition and Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) to implement the programs under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 or Republic Act 10931. CHED and Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Board Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III led the awarding of trophies and certificates of eligibility to the two local universities and colleges (LUCs) in a Gawad Parangal ceremony held within the campus of CCC, which coincides with its 13th Founding Anniversary celebration.
Additional financial assistance for TES beneficiaries now available Press Release \| March 5, 2021 Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) beneficiaries who are taking licensure examinations after completing their degrees can now claim additional financial assistance from the government through the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) TES 3-B. This is after the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and UniFAST Board Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III signed Memorandum Circular No. 1, series of 2021 or the Supplemental Guidelines on the Disbursement of Additional Grants for Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Beneficiaries in Programs Requiring Professional License of Certification or TES-3B.
TES beneficiaries to receive stipends in a timely, safe and convenient manner under new CHED/UNIFAST-LANDBANK system Press Release \| January 16, 2021 Student beneficiaries of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) can now easily and safely receive their stipends amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with the launching of the LANDBANK Mastercard Prepaid Card (LMPC) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) and LANDBANK of the Philippines. The partnership of the three government agencies is the latest initiative in the implementation of the TES Program to address the challenges of disbursing the financial assistance to more than 700,000 TES and Tulong Dunong Program grantees during the pandemic.
CHED and UniFAST vow more scholarships for IP communities Press Release \| January 12, 2021 Student beneficiaries of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) can now easily and safely receive their stipends amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with the launching of the LANDBANK Mastercard Prepaid Card (LMPC) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) and LANDBANK of the Philippines. The increased attention for IP students was announced by De Vera during his meeting with Nueva Vizcaya Governor Carlos M. Padilla, IP Board Member Sammy Balinhawang, Santa Fe Mayor Tidong A. Benito and leaders from ten (10) tribal groups held in the upland barangay of Malico, Nueva Vizcaya recently
54,761 private school students benefit from Bayanihan 2 subsidy Press Release \| January 12, 2021 A total of 54,761 private school students who have unpaid tuition and miscellaneous fees have received a grant of five thousand pesos (P5,000) under the Bayanihan 2 for Higher Education Tulong Program (B2HELP) implemented by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The P300M fund for the B2HELP is part of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) or Republic Act 11494 signed into law by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on September 11, 2020 to jump start the economy and provide additional amelioration assistance to affected Filipinos.
SUCs, LUCs not getting paid for noncompliance with government rules - CHED Press Release \| September 18, 2020 State universities and colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) that fail to comply with requirements of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) cannot received their reimbursement of tuition and miscellaneous fees under the Free Higher Education (FHE) program. This was stated by CHED and UniFAST Board Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III in response to the questions raised by several members of the House of Representatives during the budget deliberation on the proposed 2021 budget of CHED at the House of Representatives.
CHED calls out on remaining private colleges and universities with no TES billing submissions Press Release \| August 18, 2020 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) urge the remaining private higher education institutions (HEIs) that have not done their Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) billing submissions at the TES Management System (TMS) Portal to immediately comply with the requirements of the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), an organization that processes and endorses TES billing claims of private HEIs to CHED and UniFAST for payment, resulting in the delay of disbursements of TES stipends for Academic Year 2019-2020. On June 9, 2020, CHED released a list of 264 private HEIs with no billing submissions to PEAC thus affecting more than 6,000 TES grantees waiting for their educational government subsidy.
TES stipends released to more than 292,000 grantees for A.Y. 2019-2020 Press Release \| July 26, 2020 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) has started the release of additional Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) stipends to 292,438 grantees in both public and private higher education institutions (HEIs). The new releases were due to the downloading of P6-billion by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to CHED recently. The grantees who will receive the TES are the following:
PLLO Undersecretary Ryan Estevez designated as new UniFAST OIC-Executive Director Press Release \| June 22, 2020 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has approved the designation of Atty. Ryan Legisniana Estevez as Officer-in-Charge/Executive Director of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST). Prior to his designation as OIC-Executive Director, Atty. Estevez served as Undersecretary of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) in the House of Representatives. Prior to his designation as OIC-Executive Director, Atty. Estevez served as Undersecretary of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) in the House of Representatives.
PHEIs with No submission of billing statements Press Release \| June 9, 2020
264 private colleges and universities have yet to submit billing requirements for the release of TES stipends Press Release \| June 9, 2020 Two hundred sixty-four (264) private higher education institutions (HEIs) have yet to submit their billing requirements to the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) resulting in delay in the processing and disbursing of Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) stipends to some 6,628 qualified student-grantees. Under the TES program, students enrolled in private HEIs who are eligible for TES will receive PhP 60,000.00 per academic year if they belong to the Listahanan 2.0 of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or they reside and study in private HEIs in cities and municipalities where there is no public university. The TES benefit is used by students to pay for their tuition, miscellaneous fees, and other school expenses.
CHED contributes P15B for COVID-19 response Press Release \| June 7, 2020 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) contributed P15-billion to augment funds for state-led initiatives in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide economic relief to poor and vulnerable groups who are most affected by the economic fallout from this global health crisis. “CHED’s contribution of P15,317,631,000 is one of the biggest single agency support to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte for the entire nation to raise funds to support mitigating strategies in responding to the present health crisis,” said CHED Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III.
Statement on the temporary suspension of application for CHED Merit Scholarship Program Press Release \| May 22, 2020 This is to clarify what has appeared in the media after my presentation in the Senate Committee of the Whole hearing yesterday, 21 May 2020. The media reports gave the impression that all Commission on Higher Education (CHED) scholarship programs are being cut due to the implementation of National Budget Circular (NBC) No. 580 by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
CHED and UNIFAST release TES stipends to 120,000 grantees in private universities Press Release \| May 15,2020 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) continue to make Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) stipends available to grantees enrolled in private higher education institutions (PHEIs) as the country copes with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released the amount of P3.6 billion to cover the partial payment of TES benefits to grantees enrolled in 404 PHEIs for the 1st semester of Academic Year 2019-2020.
Initial List of PHEIs with TES Release for 1st Semester AY 2019-2020 Press Release \| May 15,2020
TES stipends now available to grantees in SUCs and LUCs amid COVID-19 outbreak Press Release \| March 29, 2020 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) continue the release of funds for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Program to grantees in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and CHED-recognized local universities and colleges (LUCs) for Academic Year 2019-2020 while the COVID19 pandemic continues to affect the country. CHED has released TES funds to the following 51 SUCs and LUCs and will continue downloading the subsidy even during the Enhanced Community Quarantine caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic.
CHED Guidelines on 2019-nCoV Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Mitigation of the Spread of the 2019-Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Diseas (2019-nCov ARD) in Higher Education Institutions(HEIs)
CHED expands financial assistance to IPs in Nueva Vizcaya Press Release \| February 18,2020 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) continues to expand access to quality higher education by providing additional financial assistance to students belonging to indigenous peoples (IPs) in the province of Nueva Vizcaya. CHED Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III visited Nueva Vizcaya recently in his continuing “Listening Tour” entitled “Pannakisarita” (dialogue) with the students, faculty and staff of higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Cagayan Valley and took the opportunity to award additional Tulong Dunong benefits to 150 members of IPs identified by village elders and communities in the region.