The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Monday, May 10, confirmed that 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).
This after 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 last week.
De Vera 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.
The 16 local universities and colleges (LUCs) that have fully complied with CHED requirements include are the Aroroy Municipal College, Donsol Community College, Governor Mariano E. Villafuerte Community Colleges - Garchitorena, Governor Mariano E. Villafuerte Community Colleges - Libmanan, Governor Mariano E. Villafuerte Community Colleges - Siruma, San Pascual Polytechnic College, Baao Community College, Calabanga Community College, City College of Naga, Daraga Community College, Libon Community College, Ligao Community College, Oas Community College, Polangui Community College, San Jose Community College, and Tiwi Community College.
CHED added that two (2) LUCs, the Caramoan Community College and Community College of Manito, have also acquired the needed Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) and are being evaluated for their institutional recognition (IR).
Under RA 10931, CHED said that LUCs are required to have both IR and a COPC so their students can avail of the FHE, TES, Tulong Dunong, and the Student Loan Program.
“The 16 LUCs have complied with both IR and COPC and their students are assured of the benefits under RA 10931,” CHED added.