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, and 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.
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