MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered implementing agencies to expand the coverage of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) to ensure more students can complete their college education.

Speaking at the awarding of CHED UniFAST scholarships and the launch of the Electronic Certification, Authentication, and Verification (eCAV) System in Pasay City on Friday, Marcos underscored the government’s commitment to investing in education as a driver of economic growth.

“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,” the President said.

He directed agencies to expand the program’s scope and ensure clear guidelines are communicated to students and parents before the start of classes. He also tasked them to intensify the dissemination of accurate information to avoid misinformation.

“I also call on Congress to help us strengthen UniFAST so that we can implement it fully as intended in the letter of that law,” Marcos added.

The Chief Executive also appealed to state and local universities and colleges, private higher education institutions, and local governments to continue working with the administration in improving the education sector.

Marcos vowed continued reforms in education to ensure Filipino graduates can compete globally.