Pursuant to Republic Act 10533 known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 to lengthen the Philippine basic education from ten (10) to thirteen (13) years with the addition of Kindergarten and Grades 11 and 12, DepEd developed the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS VP), a program of the financial assistance wherein subsidies in the form of vouchers are provided to qualified SHS learners in VP-participating SHS. DepEd is the institutionalized owner of the SHS VP. It is the final authority on policy decisions and issues arising from their implementation.
Also Read: How to Apply DepEd Scholarship for Non-Teaching Personnel
DepEd implements the SHS VP in fulfillment of its mandate and in the reform of the K to 12 agenda of the government. To ensure the program’s success, the department develops the necessary policies, provides necessary resources, and monitors and evaluates relative to the goals of the SHS VP.
This program aims to increase access to SHS thereby providing greater choice to learners and their families in deciding the SHS program that caters to their needs and career goals. Furthermore, Alternative Learning System (ALS) graduates that pass the Accreditation and Equivalency Test and the Philippine Education Placement Test may qualify for the program.
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What is Senior High School Voucher Program?
The Senior High School Voucher Program is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) that aims to support students in need of money for their senior year of high school. Participating schools in the ESC are assigned slots. These participating schools are comprised public and private institutions in the Philippines. For Grade 10 graduates from either private or public schools, SHS Vouchers allow students to get tuition subsidies in the range of P14,000 to P17,500. Over the course of the two-year SHS Level, the voucher beneficiaries will get the same amount.
Financial aid for Senior High School students, at the Grade 11 SHS Level, will be implemented when students meet certain qualifying standards as managed by the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC). The applications are advised to be sent to the PEAC National Secretariat via the Online Voucher Application Portal (OVAP) for online applications, which is one of the most crucial factors influencing the SHS Voucher Application Procedure.
Qualifications
The qualifications for the DepEd Senior High School Voucher Program include the following:
- Enrolling in senior high school for the first time
- Graduates of the basic education program of the DepEd or other recognized institutions
Alternative Learning System (ALS) who passed the Accreditation and Equivalency Test and the Philippine Education Placement Test may qualify for the program.
Requirements
Qualifications and several conditions are strictly monitored and administered by the Department of Education (DepEd) and Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC).
To be qualified, the following are the requirements for the SHS Voucher Program
- Recent identical 2×2 photo (2 copies)
- Photocopy of PSA Certified Birth Certificate
- Photocopy of Grade 10 Report Card
- ESC Certificate (if the student is an ESC grantee from previous ESC-participating school)
How to Apply for the Senior High School Voucher Program
The Senior High School Voucher Program observes the following mechanics in the implementation of the program.
For Grade 10 Completers who are ESC Grantees
STEP 1: You are automatically qualified to be SHS Voucher Recipient
STEP 2: You may proceed at the Registrar’s Office for requirements submission to get your SHS Voucher status updated.
STEP 3: For transferees, you need to submit your ESC Certificate (requested from previous school) and the requirements mentioned to the Registrar’s Office.
For Grade 10 Completers who are not ESC Grantees
STEP 1: For as long as you are a Grade 10 Completer (either from public or private schools) and not an ESC grantee, you are still eligible to apply for the SHS Voucher Program.
STEP 2: Application is done online. You may proceed to: ovap.peac.org.ph
STEP 3: Applicants will be notified of their eligibility status by the PEAC.
For inquiries on the application process and guidelines, applicants can send an email to shsvp.application@peac.or.ph
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the common questions and answers about the Senior High School Voucher Program.
1. Who is eligible for the Senior High School Voucher Program?
The Senior high School Voucher Program is an assistance to help incoming Grade 11 and those currently enrolled as Grade 12 to continue their SHS education. Therefore, all students who wish to continue their Senior High School education are eligible. In a recent update, Alternative Learning System (ALS) graduates that pass the Accreditation and Equivalency Test and the Philippine Education Placement Test may qualify for the program.
2. What is SHS voucher for?
The SHS VP is a program of financial assistance for qualified SHS learners from participating private and non-DepEd schools. This program is a subsidy in the form of vouchers.
3. What are the responsibilities of PEAC National Secretariat?
The PEAC NS provides the infrastructure, systems, coordination, and controls required for the smooth implementation of the SHS VP. Furthermore, the PEAC NS provides in-service training of teachers in VP-participating SHS and conduct pertinent research.
4. What is the role of PEAC to the SHS Voucher Program of DepEd?
The Private Education Assistance committee (PEAC) has been contracted by the DepEd to administer the SHS VP. PEAC is the trustee of the Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE). PEAC shall coordinate with DepEd and other stakeholders to ensure that applications are processed and results are promptly released.
Summary
The Senior High School Voucher Program provides financial aid to junior high school graduates so they can pursue their preferred senior high school program. It enables them to enroll in any SHS at any institution with less financial strain from the high cost of tuition and other out-of-pocket expenses. With the help of this voucher, students can receive proper education adapted to their requirements at a discounted price.
The students will get a voucher certificate instead of cash so that DepEd can send the money directly to the selected school of their choice.
In this program, qualified senior high school students in participating private and non-DepEd public high schools receive financial assistance in the form of vouchers. For students to maintain their choices, schools must provide support and advice. To make the application procedure for vouchers easier, career guidance programs must be made available, and documents must be prepared in accordance with the learners’ requests.
Overall, the Senior High School Voucher Program is an effort to increase senior high school accessibility and inclusion for all Filipinos, particularly those who are struggling financially.