19/05/2026
44 UNIFAST Scholars Recognized as “HIRAYA NG CALABARZON: NATATANGING ISKOLAR NG UNIFAST 2026”
Lipa City, Batangas — Forty-four exceptional student scholars from across CALABARZON were honored during the “Hiraya ng CALABARZON: Natatanging Iskolar ng UNIFAST 2026” awarding ceremony held at De La Salle Lipa on May 18, 2026. The event was also part of the celebration of the 32nd Founding Anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The “Hiraya ng CALABARZON” recognition celebrates the inspiring achievements of student beneficiaries of the UNIFAST programs under Republic Act 10931, including the Free Higher Education (FHE) Program, Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), and Tulong Dunong Program (TDP).
Despite financial hardships and personal struggles, the awardees proved that determination, perseverance, and education can transform lives. Many of the scholars not only completed their degrees but also graduated with academic honors.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the sharing of inspiring success stories from selected scholars.
Chryss Jhymm B. Calica, a graduate of Dalubhasaan ng San Pablo and a Summa Cum Laude awardee with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Entepreneurship, moved the audience with his story of perseverance. Despite living with a disability, he shared that his condition never became a barrier to achieving his dreams. “Hopefully, my story serves as proof that a disability does not define a person's future. With faith, perseverance, and the right support system, anything is possible,” he said, inspiring fellow scholars to continue striving despite challenges.
Another scholar from Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Batangas, Carlos Antonio E. Delos Reyes, shared how the UNIFAST program helped ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education, allowing him to focus on his studies and support his family’s aspirations. “More than the awards and titles, my story is proof that success is not about being perfect, it is about choosing to continue even when life becomes difficult,” he shared. Mr. Delos Reyes will represent the country in the upcoming WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
A scholar from San Mateo Municipal College, Yasser N. Bolante, also narrated how the assistance from UNIFAST became a source of hope and motivation during difficult times. “Poverty creates obstacles that students must overcome every single day. But through faith, perseverance, hard work, and the support of programs like Free Higher Education and Tulong Dunong, dreams can still become possible,” the scholar said.
The ceremony was graced by Hon. Eric Africa, Mayor of Lipa City, Batangas, who delivered the keynote address. In his message, Mayor Africa reminded the awardees that education is a powerful tool for change and encouraged them to use their achievements not only for personal success but also in service to their communities. “To our Oustanding UniFAST Grantees, congratulations. This is your time, take it, make it count. Let your hiraya become direction, let it become discipline, let it become service. May your dreams carry you forward, and may your success help carry others with you. Mabuhay ang ating mga scholars!,” he said.
The event served as a celebration not only of academic excellence but also of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of accessible education for every Filipino learner.
