The Philippine Constitution under Art. 14 Sec. 1, mandates the state “To protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and take appropriate steps to make such education available to all”. The Philippine Government for its part, through a national network of public elementary schools and High Schools is laboring to give meaning and substance to this provision.

       Access to quality education is open to all, but its availability, especially for higher levels is one big problem which the government is attempting to solve, especially so in the light of the requirement for the state to “establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan program, subsidies and other incentives, which shall be available to deserving students in both public and private schools, especially to the under privileged”. (Art. XIV, Sec 2, (3)).

       It is no secret that except for a small number of state colleges in the country, the bulk or majority of Filipino Students desiring to pursue their College Education will have to take their courses in privately run institutions. There is not enough slot for a formal college education available in state-run and funded educational institutions. The spectacle in national newspapers of multiple thousands of High School graduates trooping to the UP Diliman and other campuses to take the annual College Admission Test (UPCAT) brings home this reality even more. Unless government and private educational institution work together somehow, access to college education will be severely hampered.

       Based on the pertinent provision of Republic Act 7722 otherwise known as the Higher Education Act of 1994, particularly Sec 8 (1), “develop criteria for allocating additional resources such as research and program development, grants and scholarship and similar programs ”, and with allocation provided by her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arising out of an increased collection from the Value Added Tax (VAT), a total of One Billion Pesos was provided for new students financial package for this school year, to be distributed equitably so as to make available additional slots for the intended beneficiaries in both the scholarship and loan programs.

       This new program under the acronym Student Assistance For Education (SAFE) which is being implemented by the Commission on Higher Education this 2008 is designed primarily to broaden the access of deserving and qualified students to higher education and is intended to contribute to the long term objectives of enhancing the nation’s human capital, competitiveness and economic development.

       The existing scholarship and loan programs of CHED are not sufficient to address all scholarship needs and is currently availed of only by a limited number of intended beneficiaries. The SAFE program will definitely play a major role in increasing the number of students who are able to complete their courses and graduate from the various colleges and universities in the country, which development is crucial for maintaining a strong and vibrant Philippine Economy.

       While the University of Nueva Caceres is considered as the first and biggest private university in the Bicol Region, it can only accommodate so much number of students able to afford the admittedly high cost of private university education. Early this year, UNC, in its desire to help deserving financially handicapped students finish their college education offered for the first time, a pioneering and privately funded student financial assistance loan program which was met with a very positive reaction from various sectors.

       Still, there is not enough resources available to help those who would like to finish their college education until this new SAFE Program from CHED, which the University was eager to support and participate in. This additional Student Assistance Package known as the SAFE Loan will cater to financially needy students who are in their 3rd, 4th and 5th or graduating years of their study. Preference shall be given to those enrolled in CHED Priority Courses.

       The loan grant can be used for tuition and other school fees, books and course projects, thesis writing, board and lodging, graduation fees, and other related educational expenses, which in this case, has a maximum ceiling of P 8,000.00 depending on individual circumstances and requirements. The applicant-grantee must submit and duly comply with the documentary requirements of the participating higher education institution and apply directly to the student financing unit of the concerned school.

        The CHED SAFE Program has identified Twelve Priority Courses where the student loan program can apply. These are Agriculture, Fisheries, Agro-Business, Forestry, Veterinary Medicine, Environmental Science, Teacher Education, Maritime and Engineering. All twelve courses presupposes prior recognition by CHED with respect to such being offered by the participating Higher Education Institutions.

       While preference of the granting of the SAFE Loan program was given to State Colleges and Universities, the commendable record and reputation of the University of Nueva Caceres, in terms of its Academic Performance, Management and Administrative Capability warranted a slot for the school to avail of the program. Accordingly, CHED Regional Director Dr. Dominador Peralta handed over to UNC the amount of 3.976 million comprising its share of the financial loan package it can make available to deserving students starting this school year. Interested and potentially qualified students may inquire at the UNC College Registrar’s Office for additional details at tel. 811-6100 (local 122).