Peñablanca, Cagayan – The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 2, through its Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) and Management Information System (MIS) Units, held an orientation on the UniFAST Registry for Focal Persons and Registrars of partner Higher Education Institutions across the region on August 6, 2023 at the Benedettos Hall of Pulsar Hotel, Peñablanca.
Dubbed “Orientation on the UniFAST Registry: Enhancing HEI compliance and Quality Assurance,” the activity delved on topics encompassing the UniFAST Registry as one of the crucial requirements of the implementation of programs covered under the Republic Act No. 10931 or the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act,” the Philippine Qualifications Register (PhQuaR), the Data Capture, Review, and Validation Mechanisms, and the understanding and application of advisory opinions of the National Privacy Commission (NPC) on data privacy.
CHED RO2’s Director-in-Charge, Atty. Marco Cicero F. Domingo, through his message ably delivered by Dr. Almacita P. Abrigo, Chief Education Program Specialist, welcomed the participants and accentuated the importance of ensuring HEIs’ awareness on the updates on the different requirements set forth for the implementation of UAQTEA programs.
Atty. Domingo further stressed that the discussion of the aforementioned topics is a way of raising transparency, fostering of collaboration, and addressing related challenges and opportunities.
“Today’s activity is an initiative that takes a proactive approach, enjoining compliance on the standards established by the Commission that ultimately benefit the students and the community,” said Atty. Domingo.
Mr. Don de la Cruz, Education Supervisor II, and Ms. Charmae B. Brutas, Regional Statistical Focal Person, served as resource speakers during the orientation.
Mr. de la Cruz emphasized the importance of fact-checking in discoursing data information, and shared knowledge and insights on matters relating Philippine Qualifications Framework, PhQuar, and UniFAST Registry.
“When discussing data information, it is essential for us to ensure that the information you share is accurate and reliable,” said Mr. de la Cruz. “Always check your sources, use reputable, authoritative sources such as government publications, official guidelines from regulatory bodies, like the CHED, and regarded industry publications.”
In his discussion on data privacy, Mr. de la Cruz delivered an in-depth lecture on relevant advisory opinions from NPC that HEIs can use as guide in creating related policies. Highlighting the responsibility of HEIs in the protection of the information and data they possess, he stressed the key obligations and practical steps that HEIs must observe to ensure a compliant and well-safeguarded data storage.
“When we comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, it’s about protecting the students’ personal information to maintain the trust between us and the students. It fosters a secure, innovative, growth-oriented educational environment,” said Mr. de la Cruz.
Meanwhile, Ms. Brutas oriented the participants in the various requirements that they must submit such as the graduation and enrollment lists, and other reports, that are important in ensuring HEIs’ compliance with the standards set forth by the Commission.
HEIs’ concerns were acknowledged and given due clarification over the course of the orientation.
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See pictures: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/7Vntw26gSn4Dr2j2/