One thousand and three hundred eighty (1,380) beneficiaries from ISAT U received the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 or the RA 10931 on January 14, 2019.

Of the total beneficiaries, Miagao Campus has 630 recipients, Leon Campus, 440; Barotac Nuevo Campus, 209 and Dumangas Campus, 101. Each beneficiary received payment for June 2018  to January 2019 subsidy. RA 10931 grants Php 20,000 per semester (Php 4,000/month) to qualified beneficiaries.

Prior to the distribution, the beneficiaries and their parents were oriented on the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 10931.

In the orientation, (above photo) Dr. Raul F. Muyong emphasizes to use the money to where is it due and (below) a parent calls on all beneficiaries to use the money for poverty alleviation  for the needs of the students.

Ms. Donna Marie Magbanua, DSWD Institutional Partnership and Development Officer of NGAA , explained the manner of selection and the plans of the department for assessment and admission of additional beneficiaries.

UniFAST Coordinator, Ms. Christine A. Real, reviewed the qualification of the beneficiaries, the scope of free tuition and other fees and the duration of benefits of RA 10931. Satisfactory grades as retention requirement was also emphasized.

Ms. Real also recognized the quality education the university offers, “Congratulations again because ISAT U is offering quality education, lahat kasi ng courses approved and recognized by CHEd.” According to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR),  only students enrolled in courses recognized by CHED may avail the subsidy.

“Would there be any reason for you student not to pass with your subject and not to graduate? Education is the greatest tool against ignorance. Graduate. Graduate. Graduate,” was the challenge posed by Ms. Real after discussing the IRR of the TES.

Halungan ta ang kwarta nga ginhatag sang gobyerno kanaton. Gamiton ta ang kwarta para makalakbay sa kaimulon. Gamiton ta ti sakto, (We will take care of the money granted by the government. We will utilize it to the fullest to get out of poverty)” was the message of a parent to all the attendees of the orientation during the open forum.

This is relevant to the call of ISAT U President Dr, Raul F. Muyong for all students to study hard and make use of the opportunity given to them and for the parents to support their children. A total of 2, 690 parents and student beneficiaries attended the orientation.