Organized by UniFAST (Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education) Bicol and co-hosted by Catanduanes State University (CatSU), the congress also marked the official launching of six key projects of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region V.

These projects are the UniFILM, DEXUS Augmented System Helper (DASH), GAYOn (Guidance Assistance for the Youth Online) Project MARITES (Mobilizing Available Resources through Inclusive Training on Entrepreneurship of Student-Grantees), SAGIP (Scholars and Grant Beneficiaries' Action in Greening Initiatives Program), and HIGHEST Bicol (Handbook on the Implementing Guidelines of Higher Education Subsidy and Tuition Assistance), scheduled for release in October.

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

In her welcome remarks, CatSU President Dr. Gemma G. Acedo praised the relevance of the projects to real-world needs and lauded CHED Bicol Regional Director Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan, Jr., CESO III for his leadership.

“These initiatives prove that education is not only about the classroom but about impact, relevance, and service to the community… and to all scholars, you are the heartbeat of this effort.” Dr. Acedo stated.

Dr. Anduyan, who previously served as TESDA Provincial Director in Catanduanes, returned after eight years now as CHED Regional Director.

“These projects we are launching are intended for our youth because I want a strong and vibrant higher education landscape in the Bicol region,” he emphasized.

Catanduanes Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza also expressed his gratitude to CHED and the national government for sustaining the TES program.

“Siguro kung dae ang TES, dakol na mga estudyante ngonyan ang nawar’an ning pag-asa asin oportunidad na mabag’o ang buhay ninda,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis and UniFAST newly installed OIC Executive Director Atty. Septon A. De la Cruz both acknowledged the role of CatSU in hosting the congress.

“More than just a celebration and promotion of the program under Republic Act 10931, this Congress is a platform that unites student communities, and recognizes your skills and talents,” said Atty. De la Cruz.

“This is a testament to our shared commitment, making quality higher education not only more accessible but also more meaningful,” added Dr. Agrupis.

“May you be inspired to keep moving forward the values of excellence, service, and integrity in all that you do,” she concluded.

𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗣

As part of the SAGIP project, PENRO Catanduanes Supervising Ecosystem Management Specialist Cyril Magdaraog delivered a lecture on native tree species and ongoing greening programs.

He shared that from 2011 to 2025, the PENRO office was able to produce 3,799,668 seedlings, and they established 18,696.77 hectares of plantations, as well as generated 5,179 jobs in the province.

In her closing remarks, CHED Bicol Chief Education Program Specialist Rachel D. Casimero shared that the brainchild of all six projects, including the upcoming HIGHEST handbook, is Dr. Anduyan.

Also present at the event were presidents and representatives of higher education institutions in Bicol, officials from CHED, UniFAST, and former UniFAST Executive Director Atty. Ryan Estevez.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁: 𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮

The TES Congress continues tomorrow, September 10, with two major activities: USAP UniFAST – a session on UniFAST validation and billing processes and the Battle of the Bands – showcasing student talents.