DepEd releases P16-B subsidy for students

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) has released more than P16 billion to private schools since last year as payment for the subsidy of the government to students enrolled in private schools.

Actual payments amounted to P8.14 billion and P8.68 billion for the Education Service Contracting (ESC) and the senior high school voucher programs respectively. 

The amount represents almost 100 percent of the billings received by the agency from private schools qualified under the programs.

The ESC is a financial assistance program for junior high school students under the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GATSPE). 

Meanwhile, the voucher program was initiated last year to provide financial support to senior high school students.

Under the ESC, students may receive subsidies ranging from P8,500 to P11,000 depending on the location.

“DepEd has designated a portion of its GASTPE appropriations to finance the salary subsidy of licensed teachers in ESC-participating private junior high schools. The amount of the salary subsidy shall be P18,000 per teacher per year, subject to adjustments by the state assistance council,” the department added.

Voucher system reopened

DepEd has also reopened application for the senior high school voucher system, which will run from May 1 to 15.

The application is open for Grade 10 students currently enrolled in private schools as students in public schools are automatically qualified for the voucher program.

Funded since last year, the voucher program provides financial assistance to Grade 10 completers who will enroll in private schools or state universities and colleges that offer senior high school.

The amount provided by the government varies depending on the location, with students in urban areas like Metro Manila receiving as much as P22,500.

DepEd data showed that more than 1.2 million students are currently enrolled in Grade 10 in public schools around the country. Another 320,000 are in private schools.

The agency has received P24 billion this year to implement the voucher program. The funding also covers existing recipients who will start Grade 12 in June.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones earlier pledged to continue the program, stressing the need for the government to partner with the private sector to ensure that all Filipino children have access to education.

DepEd said that the voucher program does not intend to drive away students from public schools, saying it gives them more choices in which of the senior high school tracks to pursue.