With a commitment to advancing accessible and quality higher education, the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) convened a strategic planning activity titled “UniFAST Para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Targets and Strategies Towards PBBM Legacy.” This event gathered UniFAST Lead Regional Coordinators and Accountants, and aimed to refine the agency’s Strategic Plan and set clear benchmarks for the Physical Commitment and Accomplishment Reporting (PCAR) for Fiscal Year 2025.

The program commenced with the standard preliminaries, leading into a warm welcome address by Atty. Septon A. Dela Cruz, CESO III, Director IV of CHED Regional Office CAR, who underscored the significance of the gathering in shaping the future of student financial assistance. Following this, Dr. Annaliza A. Gando, Supervising Education Program Specialist and Head of the Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation Division, introduced the esteemed resource speakers, setting the stage for an insightful discussion.Kicking off the series of presentations was Assistant Director Edgardo S. Aranjuez II, Director III, Social Development Staff, National Economic and Development Authority, who outlined the targets and strategies under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, aligning national goals with UniFAST’s initiatives. Atty. John R. Jacome, Managing Director of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Association (COCOPEA), followed, presenting COCOPEA’s Vision, Plans, and Strategies for Philippine Private Higher Education Institutions, emphasizing collaboration between the private and public sectors.

Adding an innovative dimension, Engr. Louie C. Juera, PhD, and Mr. Aicie James L. Rañises, both from CHED Region CAR, showcased new approaches to the validation process, aiming for a more efficient and transparent system. Finally, the Office of the Executive Director (OED), Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PMED), and Advocacy Promotions and Career Guidance Division (APCGD) laid out UniFAST’s proposed targets and strategies for Fiscal Year 2025.

Representing the Caraga Regional Office in participating in the planning activities were Ms. Heidi M. Paradero, Project Technical Staff III – UniFAST Caraga Lead Regional Coordinator, and Ms. Florence M. Lapinig, CPA, Project Technical Staff II – UniFAST Caraga Accountant.

As UniFAST sets its sights on the year ahead, the strategic planning activity reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring financial aid reaches deserving students while upholding transparency and efficiency. With bold targets and well-defined strategies, UniFAST continues to pave the way for a stronger, more inclusive Philippine education system.