QCU Graduation 2024: Empowering Scholars from the Bottom 20%
On July 1, 2024, Quezon City University (QCU) held its highly anticipated Graduation Ceremony at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, celebrating the achievements of thousands of students who had persevered through academic challenges and socio-economic barriers.
A remarkable highlight of this year’s graduation is that a significant portion of the graduates belong to the bottom 20% of the population by income level, many of whom have been scholars under the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Through the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), these students were able to complete their degrees without the financial burdens that often prevent low-income families from pursuing higher education.
Breaking Barriers through Education
QCU President Dr. Theresita V. Atienza, in her message, emphasized that this year’s Batch Marilag graduates represent the transformative power of accessible and inclusive education. “Our scholars stand as living proof that when support systems are in place, talent and determination will always prevail over poverty,” she said.
For many graduates, being a UniFAST beneficiary meant having access not only to tuition coverage but also to allowances for books, transportation, and daily living expenses. This financial assistance enabled them to focus on their studies and engage actively in research, internships, and community projects.
Scholars as Future Leaders
The 2024 graduates are set to contribute to various sectors, with many coming from QCU’s flagship programs in Entrepreneurship, Accountancy, Information Technology, Industrial and Electronics Engineering, and Education. As UniFAST scholars, their journey symbolizes the government’s commitment to equity in education and QCU’s mission of providing opportunities to those who need it most.
Education as a Legacy
The ceremony also served as an opportunity to recognize Quezon City’s leadership, under Mayor Joy Belmonte, for their continuous investment in QCU as the city’s legacy project. By prioritizing inclusive education, QCU strengthens its role as a university of the people, committed to uplifting marginalized families and communities through sustainable academic excellence.
SDG Alignment
This milestone directly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring that higher education is accessible to the poorest sectors of society. The success of these graduates affirms QCU’s dedication to transforming lives and building a more inclusive and equitable Quezon City.
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