CHED to release P764-M student aid to over 66K beneficiaries in quake-hit Region 12

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said it is expediting the release of P764 million in student financial assistance to more than 66,000 beneficiaries in Region XII as the region recovers from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck southern Mindanao.

In a statement on Wednesday, CHED said the funds will be distributed via the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program and will benefit 66,655 students in Region XII for the second semester of Academic Year 2025-2026.

The commission said the assistance forms part of ongoing efforts to support students and their families in areas affected by the earthquake, including General Santos City and the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Davao Occidental, and Davao del Sur.

On June 13, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis traveled to Region XII to oversee the release of TES assistance to 808 beneficiaries in General Santos City, Tacurong City, Koronadal City, and the municipality of Polomolok.

The agency said another 501 beneficiaries in other parts of the region also received assistance during the distribution.

CHED noted that the latest release follows the distribution of P2.02 billion in Tertiary Education Subsidy and Tulong Dunong Program grants in April and May 2026.

According to the commission, efforts have been intensified to address backlogs in the release of student financial assistance and improve the implementation of programs under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

Among the reforms cited by CHED are a partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines to streamline subsidy distribution and revisions to TES and Tulong Dunong Program guidelines to speed up the delivery of assistance.

The commission said it remains committed to accelerating grants and financial aid programs for tertiary students, particularly in communities recovering from the recent earthquake. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA News