MALABON City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to providing quality, accessible higher education to Malabueño youth, following the City of Malabon University’s (CMU) renewed eligibility as a beneficiary under the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST).
“We firmly believe that education is the key to a brighter future for our youth and their families. Financial limitations should never stand in the way of learning and graduating. We will continue to ensure that quality education remains within reach of our students,” Sandoval said.
This came as she announced that the UniFAST Board just approved the inclusion of CMU and seven other local universities and colleges (LUCs) as beneficiaries under Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, during its regular meeting held earlier this week at the central office of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).
“After securing institutional recognition from CHEd for CMU, we have now regained our status as a UniFAST beneficiary. This is proof of our unwavering dedication to providing Malabueño students with a sound and quality education while also easing the worries and financial burdens of their parents,” she said.
With CMU’s inclusion in CHEd’s program, Sandoval told The Manila Times that qualified students may avail themselves of free higher education benefits, including exemption from tuition and other covered school fees, subject to existing qualifications, policies, and program guidelines.
“Eligible students may likewise access national government financial assistance programs such as the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and the ‘Tulong Dunong’ Program, subject to applicable qualifications, prioritization, and the availability of funds,” she emphasized.
The renewed UniFAST eligibility marks another significant milestone in the city government’s continuing efforts to make higher education more accessible and to reduce the financial strain of pursuing a college degree, the city’s first female mayor said.
Sandoval emphasized that the local administration will continue to strengthen CMU — not only by expanding access to educational assistance, but also by enhancing its academic programs, facilities, governance systems, and overall quality of education. ARLIE CALALO
City Administrator Alexander Rosete emphasized the importance of the university’s renewed eligibility, noting that the achievement reflects the local government’s sustained efforts to address institutional requirements and reinforce CMU.
“The process was by no means easy, but our direction was clear from the start — address what needed to be addressed, strengthen our systems, and ensure that CMU complies with CHEd standards. CMU’s reinstatement as a UniFAST beneficiary is the fruit of collective effort and the continued support of the city government for our university,” Rosete said.
It may be recalled that CMU lost its eligibility for UniFAST and free higher education benefits during academic year 2022–2023 due to compliance and institutional shortcomings that predated Sandoval’s assumption of office as city chief executive.
Despite these inherited challenges, the Sandoval administration undertook decisive measures to reorganize CMU’s governance systems, bolster program certifications, streamline documentation, and address institutional requirements to meet CHEd’s quality assurance standards, Rosete explained.
He said the city government also allocated over P150 million annually from local funds to sustain the university’s operations and ensure the continuity of education for its students throughout its transition toward renewed compliance.
