The University of Baguio (UB), through its Student Accounts Office, successfully conducted the Orientation for New UniFAST–Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Grantees on April 16, 2026, at the UB Cardinals Gymnasium. The initiative reaffirmed the University’s commitment to expanding access to quality education through scholarships and financial assistance programs that support students in achieving their academic goals.
A total of 1,091 students from various academic programs attended the orientation, which aimed to provide newly selected TES beneficiaries with a comprehensive understanding of the scholarship program, including its policies, retention guidelines, responsibilities, and administrative procedures. The event was organized with the support of the Admission and Records Center and the Office of Student Affairs.
The Tertiary Education Subsidy is one of the flagship scholarship and financial assistance initiatives established under Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. Implemented nationwide beginning Academic Year 2018–2019, the program seeks to make higher education more accessible to Filipino students, particularly those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Through TES scholarships, qualified students enrolled in public and private higher education institutions receive financial support to help cover educational and related expenses.
Since the implementation of the TES program, thousands of UB students have benefited from the scholarship initiative. During the first semester of Academic Year 2025–2026, 1,880 additional TES grantees were included under Batch 1.1, significantly increasing the number of scholarship beneficiaries within the University community. As of the second semester of Academic Year 2025–2026, the University of Baguio recorded a total of 2,345 TES grantees.
The orientation served as an important platform for informing students about the opportunities and responsibilities that come with receiving government-funded scholarships. Discussions focused on the overview of the TES program, the selection process for scholarship recipients, retention policies, and grounds for termination. The session also emphasized the importance of accountability and active participation among grantees throughout the duration of their scholarship coverage.
Ms. Angela M. Garcia facilitated the orientation proper and presented key information regarding the TES grant. Meanwhile, Ms. Rowena P. Sungduan, CPA, TES Focal Person and Director of the Student Accounts Office, further highlighted the roles and responsibilities expected of scholarship recipients. A pre-recorded welcome message from Dr. Medardo F. Abarientos also opened the program.
Making education more accessible through scholarships and excellent student support
In addition to discussing scholarship policies, the orientation guided students through the process of opening Landbank accounts, which are necessary for the disbursement of TES benefits. Ms. Ansherina G. Osit from the Student Accounts Office discussed various account-opening procedures, including the use of mobile banking applications to make the process more convenient for students.
The event also underscored the value of social responsibility and community engagement among scholarship beneficiaries. Dr. Froilan C. Aspa, Director of the Student Affairs Office, introduced Project SAGIP and encouraged students to participate in initiatives such as tree-planting activities, highlighting the role of TES grantees not only as scholars but also as active contributors to the community.
To maximize participation, the University implemented extensive dissemination efforts prior to the orientation. Notifications were distributed through official office circulars, signed excuse letters, UB email accounts, personal email addresses, contact numbers, and official Facebook groups. Despite scheduling challenges encountered by students undergoing off-campus on-the-job training, the University continued to accommodate absent grantees by providing copies of the orientation presentation and maintaining open communication channels for inquiries regarding scholarships and TES-related processes.
Through initiatives such as the TES orientation, the University of Baguio continues to strengthen its commitment to accessible education by ensuring that scholarship grantees are equipped with the knowledge, guidance, and support necessary for academic success. By continuously improving its scholarship programs and student support systems, the University remains steadfast in empowering learners and helping build brighter opportunities for future professionals.
