The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has partnered with the Pag-IBIG Fund to institutionalize Project BALAY (Building Access to Learning for Students), a joint initiative designed to expand access to safe and affordable housing for students, faculty, and non-teaching personnel in higher education institutions.

CHED Chairperson Shirley 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 memorandum of agreement, CHED and the Pag-IBIG Fund will collaborate on student-oriented housing solutions and related initiatives. These include 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 Acosta said the partnership aligns housing initiatives with national education priorities.

The collaboration allows the 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, Acosta said.

CHED and the Pag-IBIG Fund will also convene presidents of state universities and colleges from Regions I, II, III, and the Cordillera Administrative Region for a business presentation on Project BALAY. The presentation will outline the program framework, potential institutional participation, and areas for future cooperation.