Marcos wants more student beneficiaries of UniFAST scholarship

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday tasked concerned agencies to strengthen and expand the reach of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) so that more students will receive the support they need to complete their education.

The UniFast program is a government initiative that aims to provide tuition fee assistance to qualified students from state and Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-recognized local universities and colleges nationwide. 

During his speech at the awarding of the CHED UniFast scholarships and official launch of the Electronic Certification, Authentication, and Verification (eCAV) System in Pasay City, Marcos stressed the importance of education in creating a competitive workforce for a stronger economy.

“Our assistance to our students proves that the returns are immeasurable when the government invests in people. When we strengthen education, we also strengthen our workforce and we forge a better future for our economy, for our country,” Marcos said. 

“Kaya ito ang aking direktiba: Palawakin pa natin ang saklaw ng UniFAST.  Tiyakin natin na malinaw ang guidelines na naipapaalam ito sa mga magulang at mag-aaral bago pa magsimula ang pasukan,” he added. 

Marcos also directed concerned offices to intensify the dissemination of information about the program to prevent misinformation.

He also called on all state and local universities and colleges, private higher education institutions, local governments, and partners to continue working with the government for the betterment of the country’s education sector.

Marcos specifically called on “Congress to help us strengthen UniFAST so that we can implement it fully as intended in the letter of that law.”

The President also vowed to continue improving the country’s education system to ensure that Filipinos can compete with the best in the world. 

Meanwhile, the Marcos administration also launched the Electronic Certification, Authentication, and Verification (eCAV) System, which is a digital platform designed to streamline students' access to academic records such as diplomas, transcripts of records (TOR), and other certificates needed for job applications.—LDF, GMA Integrated News

Relevant features of the eCAV system include online payments, real-time tracking, timely updates of application status, and a downloadable copy of the applicant’s certificates from their account or email.