DepEd to continue voucher program for despite reduced budget

The Department of Education on Friday said it will push through with its Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS-VP), as it seeks other funding for the Grade 10 completers entering senior high school.

"DepEd would like to reassure the public of its commitment to continue with the program. While this is a big challenge, we continue to pursue other funding to provide this aid as it is our learners’ right," it said in a statement.

The DepEd said it is finalizing the implementation of the program, but is still requiring further information on the demand based on this year’s enrollment.

The DepEd said it expects the Learner Enrollment and Survey Forms (LESF) results to provide the necessary information, and will open the application for the SHS-VP this school year once the necessary information and funding are in place.

"The Department is taking the necessary steps to ensure that the implementation of the Senior High School Voucher Program will continue, despite the national health emergency that the country is facing," it said.

Its statement came as Secretary Leonor Briones previously expressed concerns on the reduction of the P8-billion fund of the department for the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act fund.

"Pinag-uusapan namin kasi ang budget ng DepEd ay nabawasan ng mga P8 billion para sa contribution sa Bayanihan fund. Tinitignan kung ang funds na available maka-accommodate ng voucher program,” Briones said.

“Ngayon hindi pa natin masasabi dahil hindi pa kumpleto ‘yung ating enrollment figure sa private sector,” Briones added.

Under the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 or Republic Act No. 10533 (RA 10533), the years of schooling in basic education has been expanded from 10 years to 12 years.

Due to the additional two years, the government, through this law, will provide financial assistance to qualified grade 10 completers entering senior high school.

DepEd, through Order No. 11 series of 2015 (DO 11 s.2015) introduced the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS VP) as a mechanism to provide financial assistance to senior high school students affected by the new basic education curriculum. -NB, GMA News