USTP Panaon participates in DA-ACEF Regional Coordination Meeting
By Judielyn L. Cualbar, USTP Panaon Admission & Scholarship Coordinator
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The Admission and Scholarship Office of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Panaon, Misamis Occidental (USTP Panaon) participated in the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office X – Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (DA RFO – ACEF) Regional Coordination Meeting. The primary objective of this meeting was to discuss and harmonize data with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) from Batch 5 to 12, provide updates and other relevant information on the ACEF Scholarship Program, and present Research and Development (R&D) studies for possible funding under the fiscal year 2026 budget cycle. The meeting was held at the DA RFO 10 BAC Conference Room in Cagayan de Oro City on February 21, 2025.
This initiative aligns with implementing the ACEF Program under Republic Act No. 10848, particularly the Grants-in-Aid for Higher Education Program (ACEF-GIAHEP), aimed at strengthening support for higher education in agriculture and related fields.
The meeting commenced with the presentation of ACEF updates, where a comprehensive report on the status of the ACEF Scholarship Program was provided, including the number of scholars from Batch 5 to 12, scholarship disbursement updates, and compliance with program requirements. The CHED representative discussed scholarship updates, focusing on ongoing scholarship monitoring and evaluation efforts of the ACEF-GIAHEP and the financial disbursement for continuing scholars
The discussion also covered various issues and concerns, including challenges in data harmonization between DA RFO 10 and CHED, delays in the processing of scholarship reimbursements and funding disbursements, and the need for improved communication and coordination between DA, CHED, and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). To address these concerns, major agreements and ways forward were established, such as implementing a streamlined system for data sharing and validation between DA RFO 10 and CHED, expediting the release of scholarship funds to scholars, conducting regular coordination meetings to monitor progress, and address emerging challenges, and considering proposed Research and Development studies for funding in CY 2026.
The coordination meeting successfully facilitated productive discussions among DA RFO 10, CHED, and other stakeholders involved in the ACEF Scholarship Program. The agreements reached, promising improved efficiency and effectiveness, instill hope for the program’s future in supporting agricultural education.
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