23 January 2026

LAOAG CITY — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Pag-IBIG Fund signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 23 to institutionalize Project BALAY (Building Access to Learning for Students), a joint initiative aimed at expanding access to safe and affordable housing for students, faculty, and non-teaching personnel in higher education institutions.

The signing took place during the Launching of PBBM-GABAY ng Bayan Programs with CHED, the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing non-academic barriers that affect student retention, productivity, and degree completion.

CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis said housing security plays a critical role in student success. “For many students, access to safe and stable housing can determine whether they can stay in school and complete their degree. Project BALAY allows us to address learning and living conditions at the same time,” Agrupis said.

Under the MOU, CHED and the Pag-IBIG Fund will collaborate on student-oriented housing solutions and related initiatives, including academic programs and research in housing and urban development, scholarships and training in housing-related fields, financial literacy activities, and information and advocacy campaigns.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the partnership aligns housing initiatives with national education priorities. The collaboration allows Pag-IBIG Fund to extend its housing mandate to the academic community, supporting students and education workers while contributing to long-term human capital development.

CHED and the Pag-IBIG Fund will convene presidents of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) from Regions I, II, III, and the Cordillera Administrative Region for a business presentation on Project BALAY, outlining the program framework, potential institutional participation, and areas for future cooperation.

Anchored on CHED’s ACHIEVE Agenda, Project BALAY supports the government’s Bagong Pilipinas vision by integrating education, housing, and social development to improve student completion and overall outcomes in higher education.