20/08/2025
Initao College Joins the 1st NorthMin TES Congress 2025
Empowering Grantees for Holistic Development and National Growth
On August 19, 2025, Initao College proudly participated in the 1st NorthMin TES Congress held at the Chali Resort and Conference Center in Cagayan de Oro City. The event was a gathering of all TES (Tertiary Education Subsidy) and TDP (Tulong Dunong Program) grantees from Region 10, showcasing their pride and unity through traditional ASEAN attire.
The day began with early registration at 7 AM, welcoming grantees and TES focal persons from the region. The official program started promptly at 8 AM, opening with a heartfelt welcome message by Dr. Arlita Amapola B. Minguez, Ph.D., Officer-in-Charge Director IV of CHED Region X. She emphasized the importance of empowering students as catalysts for national and personal growth.
A special message was then delivered by CHED Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag, III, D. Eng., who inspired everyone with words of hope and determination, urging grantees to “Rise beyond your dreams” and become pillars of hope in their communities.
The highlight of the event was the motivational talk by resource speaker Patrick Uyguangco Gabutina. He shared a moving story titled "There Was Once a Young Man Walking on the Highway," emphasizing themes of planting seeds of progress and love. Patrick recounted his journey, from joining politics at age 18—initially as a fun endeavor with humble beginnings earning 200 pesos in 1924—to becoming a vice mayor at 27. He spoke passionately about rebuilding communities “one home, one family at a time,” and encouraged attendees to embrace freedom by trying new things, including engaging in the arts. Patrick’s journey led him to become a college principal and a sociology teacher from Tagoloan College, highlighting the challenges of teaching and the importance of dreaming without fear of failure or frustration.
His message resonated deeply: dreams and hope are intangible but powerful forces that reside in the heart, urging everyone to broaden their horizons.
Adding a fun and interactive component, the TES game was led by the UNIFAST Regional Coordinator, fostering camaraderie and engagement among participants.
The congress also featured inspiring testimonials from distinguished grantees, including:
Mr. Jun Arthur A. Binayao, a TDP grantee and NBSB alumnus who graduated Cum Laude in BSED-English in 2024.
Ms. Aina R. Arimpo, LPT, a TES grantee from MSU-IIT who graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2024.
Eugen L. Tadlas, also a TES grantee and BUKSU alumnus, currently serving as Project Support Staff V at the UNIFAST Regional Office.
The event concluded with a closing message from Atty. Virgil Thery Amor M. Ladera-Deguilmo, CPA, CHED X Chief Administrative Officer. He emphasized the congress’s purpose: to inspire the youth and create meaningful connections among grantees, ensuring that they continue to strive for excellence and contribute to nation-building.
Representing Initao College in the congress were:
Mrs. Queen Lovelle L. Hernandez – Scholarship In-Charge
Mr. Rogel U. Pingkian – TES Grantee
The 1st NorthMin TES Congress 2025 successfully embodied its theme—"Empowering Grantees for Holistic Development and National Growth"—by uplifting the hopes and aspirations of young scholars who will be the future leaders of the Philippines. The presence and active involvement of Initao College and other institutions in Region 10 demonstrated their commitment to nurturing talented students ready to make a positive impact on society.