THE UNIFIED Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education, an attached agency of the Commission on Higher Education, posted a 99.67 percent overall budget utilization rate of its allotment for fiscal year 2020 for the implementation of programs under Republic Act 10931 or Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

The UniFAST Central Office achieved a utilization rate of 99.97 percent of its P3 billion allotment for the implementation of Free Higher Education in state universities and colleges and CHED-recognized local universities and colleges, Tertiary Education Subsidy Program for new grantees while the CHED Regional Offices were able to attain a 99.39 percent utilization rate.

This is higher than its previous utilization rate in 2018 and 2019 despite the restrictions brought by the Covid19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, UniFAST is determined to utilize its P44 billion allotment for fiscal year 2021, which validity was extended until December 31, 2022.

“CHED and UniFAST had always been compliant with the cash-based budgeting system and I mean not just obligation but actual disbursements. Under the programs of RA 10931, the pandemic did not stop us from continuing our operations in the reimbursements of FHE, as well as the disbursement of TES allowances of our student-grantees,” CHED and UniFAST Board Chairman Popoy de Vera III said.

During the recent CHED Commission En Banc meeting, UniFAST was commended for its accomplishments.

Commissioner Ronald Adamat attributed the achievement as a result of the diligence, sacrifices, and hard work of the people in CHED-UniFAST, coupled with the cooperation of HEIs who made sure that students, including those in the marginalized sectors, are assisted during these challenging times.