The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is expediting the release of Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) assistance in quake-affected areas in Mindanao.

In a statement, the CHED vowed to ensure the timely distribution of financial subsidies for higher education beneficiaries in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“As we continue to carry out the President’s directive to expand and accelerate grants-in-aid programs for tertiary students, the Commission remains committed to providing meaningful support to our higher education learners promptly, especially during this time of recovery,” the CHED said Wednesday.

On June 13, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis joined the government’s whole-of-nation recovery efforts following a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that jolted parts of Mindanao.

During his visit to Soccsksargen, he distributed the TES assistance to 808 beneficiaries in General Santos City, Tacurong City, Koronadal City, and the municipality of Polomolok.

A simultaneous distribution was also conducted in other parts of the regon, serving 501 beneficiaries.

The CHED said it has already released PHP2.02 billion in TES and Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) grants last April and May, covering semesters dating back to before the current CHED administration.

For the second semester of academic year 2025–2026, the CHED and UniFAST will continue the release of PHP764 million in TES grants to 66,655 beneficiaries in Soccsksargen. (PNA)