University of the East Celebrates Latest UniFAST Award Recipients

On July 14, 2025, the University of the East (UE) held its commencement rites at the World Trade Center in Metro Manila, honoring over 1,600 postgraduate and undergraduate graduates. Among the notable recognitions were the recipients of the UniFAST Academic Excellence Award, which celebrates students who have excelled academically while demonstrating leadership and community involvement.

The UniFAST Academic Excellence Award is conferred by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through its UniFAST program, established under Republic Act 10931, known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. This act aims to provide financial assistance to deserving college students meeting specific criteria. The award serves to recognize one beneficiary from each campus who has achieved the highest general weighted average among their peers within the UniFAST program.

This year's awardees, Isabella Rianna Garay and Gekenzy Morales, both graduated with honors, receiving the title of magna cum laude. Garay completed her Bachelor of Science in Political Science, while Morales earned his degree in Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. Their achievements were acknowledged during the ceremony by Dr. Annalyn Diaz, an Education Supervisor at CHED-UniFAST, and Precila Chan, Head of the Promotions and Career Guidance Division.

As articulated by Zosimo Battad, President of the University of the East, "We commend the efforts of our graduates who have not only excelled academically but have also committed themselves to leadership and community service. The UniFAST program exemplifies our commitment to providing quality education to deserving students."

The UniFAST Academic Excellence Award has been presented to UE graduates for two consecutive years, highlighting the university's growing recognition and the increasing number of students benefiting from the UniFAST program. The commission has also recently reaffirmed the autonomous status of UE Manila and granted deregulated status to UE Caloocan, both effective until September 15, 2027.

The significance of the UniFAST awards extends beyond mere recognition; they symbolize the ongoing efforts to enhance educational access and quality in the Philippines. According to a 2023 report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, there has been a marked increase in enrollment in higher education institutions, attributed partly to initiatives like UniFAST that support financially disadvantaged students.

The recognition of Garay and Morales sets a precedent for future cohorts, motivating other students to pursue excellence in their academic and extracurricular endeavors. As educational policies evolve, the impact of programs like UniFAST will likely shape the landscape of higher education in the Philippines, fostering a generation of informed and engaged citizens prepared to contribute to society.

In conclusion, as the University of the East continues to celebrate its graduates’ accomplishments, it also reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and community involvement, paving the way for future leaders in various fields.