Scholarship Stakeholders Convene at CHED ONSE Talks 2026 to Strengthen UniFAST and StuFAPs Implementation
DAVAO CITY, Philippines (August 19, 2026) — Scholarship implementers, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and government partners from across Davao Region gathered at Mergrande Ocean Resort last Tuesday for ONSE Talks 2026, a regional forum aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) and Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs).
Organized by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XI (CHED RO XI) through its Scholarship Unit, the event brought together key scholarship stakeholders to discuss policy updates, implementation concerns, and strategies to improve the delivery of government-funded educational assistance programs.
CHED RO XI Regional Director Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among implementing partners to ensure that scholarship programs are delivered efficiently and remain responsive to the needs of student beneficiaries.
During the activity, participants received updates on key programs administered by CHED and UniFAST, including the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), Tulong Dunong Program (TDP), and CHED Scholarship Programs (CSPs). The CHED Scholarship Unit presented program policies, eligibility requirements, revised implementation guidelines, and recent developments affecting scholarship administration across the region.
The discussions also provided stakeholders with an opportunity to exchange experiences and identify common challenges encountered in program implementation. During the Open Forum, participants raised their concerns, sought clarification on policies, and shared best practices aimed at improving service delivery and coordination among partner institutions.
A highlight of the gathering was the election of new officers of the Scholarship Coordinators Association, following the end of the term of the outgoing president. Members elected a new President and Vice President who will lead the association in advancing collaboration among scholarship coordinators and strengthening engagement with CHED RO XI and partner institutions.
The activity forms part of CHED RO XI’s continuing efforts to enhance stakeholder engagement and strengthen institutional partnerships in support of scholarship and student financial assistance programs.
Through ONSE Talks 2026, CHED RO XI reaffirmed its commitment to improving coordination among scholarship stakeholders and ensuring the effective implementation of programs that help make higher education more accessible to deserving students throughout the Davao Region.
