𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐔𝐀𝐐𝐓𝐄𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥

JHCSC President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales attended a coordination meeting and reorientation on the salient provisions of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), led by Dr. Marivic V. Iriberri, Regional Director of CHEDRO-IX, on February 23, 2026, at the Convention Center of Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City. The activity placed particular emphasis on the proper implementation of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) under Republic Act No. 10931.

During the discussions, presidents, heads, and officers-in-charge of higher education institutions across the region convened to strengthen institutional capacity to effectively implement UAQTEA policies and guidelines through clear operational direction from the Commission. In addition, updates were provided on recent policies and issuances affecting the program.

The body likewise reviewed and streamlined processes related to the validation, billing, and liquidation of TES and TDP grants, identified implementation concerns, and proposed appropriate corrective measures, while fostering coordination, transparency, and shared accountability among HEI leaders, focal persons, and UniFAST coordinators.

In the course of the activity, President Rosales received a plaque of recognition for the proposal titled “SIMULATE, INNOVATE, ELEVATE: The Cabin Crew Simulator and I-Lab Experience,” presented by Mr. Dexter Carl Corpuz and student proponents led by Prof. Julie R. Cabalog, BSTM Program Chairperson, with the support of Dr. Julito V. Mandac, Jr., SBM Dean. The project earned distinction as a City/Provincial Finalist during the Tourism Start-Up Challenge 2025.

Overall, the meeting served as a vital platform for policy alignment and institutional enhancement. Through active engagement in the reorientation, JHCSC further strengthened its commitment to compliant, transparent, and efficient implementation of TES and TDP, ensuring that government-funded educational assistance continues to benefit its student recipients effectively and responsibly.