Over P14 B set for SHS voucher program

The Department of Education (DepEd) has allocated more than P14 billion this year to subsidize the enrollment of students in private senior high schools (SHS) nationwide.

Budget documents showed that P13.69 billion was allocated to fund the subsidy in private SHS.

Another P742 million was allocated for senior high school students who will study in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs) that offer SHS.

The DepEd, in coordination with the Private Education Assistance Committee, will soon begin processing the applications for the voucher program for the incoming school year.

The online application period ended yesterday.

“The SHS voucher program enables qualified Grade 10 completers to pursue their desired senior high school education in private schools, SUCs and LUCs that offer SHS,” the DepEd said in a statement.

“It is one of several initiatives of the government to make basic education accessible and affordable for Filipino learners nationwide,” it added.

As in previous years, qualified recipients will receive a subsidy of as much as P22,500 to cover their tuition and other school fees. The amount of the subsidy will depend on the category and location of the school where the student will enroll.

Grade 10 completers from public schools are already prequalified for the program and do not need to apply.

Also qualified are beneficiaries of the education service contracting program for junior high school students.

Meanwhile, private Grade 10 completers will have to apply manually or online through the online voucher application portal.

Students who will pass the upcoming Accreditation and Equivalency Test and the Philippine Educational Placement Test and will be certified for admission to Grade 11 may still submit voucher applications until June 15.

“Only complete applications that contain correct information and are submitted on or before the deadline shall be processed. Applications submitted on or before the deadline but are incomplete or contain false information are automatically disqualified and shall not be processed further. Applications submitted after the deadline shall not be entertained,” the DepEd said.