DepEd Order No. 60, s. 2017, dated December 1, 2017 and signed by Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, sets the guidelines for applying to the Senior High School (SHS) Voucher Program for School Year 2018-2019. It explains the whole process, from pre-qualification to redemption, for vouchers redeemed in SY 2018-2019. It applies nationwide and stays in effect unless amended or repealed.
This order covers only the SY 2018-2019 application cycle. Its dates and deadlines have passed, so treat it as a reference for how the program was set up that year.
On this page 12 sections
Key points
- The SHS Voucher Program gives qualified Grade 10 completers a subsidy so they can enroll in a non-DepEd senior high school of their choice.
- The voucher is not given to the student as cash. DepEd pays the non-DepEd SHS directly.
- Grade 10 completers in public schools, state and local universities and colleges (SUCs and LUCs), and private schools under Educational Service Contracting (ESC) qualify automatically. They do not need to apply.
- Private school Grade 10 completers who are not ESC grantees, and qualified ALS A&E and PEPT passers, must apply.
- Applications are free and can be done online or manually. Online application is encouraged.
- Late, incomplete, or false applications are disqualified. Results are final and cannot be appealed.
- The voucher must be redeemed by August 31, 2018 and covers two years of SHS.
Why the program exists
Republic Act No. 10533, the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, added Kindergarten and Grades 11 and 12 to basic education. It also extended the E-GASTPE Law (RA 8545) to cover Grades 11 and 12. DepEd Order No. 11, s. 2015 then introduced the SHS Voucher Program to give financial support to qualified SHS students.
The program aims to:
- increase access to SHS and uphold the right to quality basic education;
- encourage more kinds of SHS providers, so schools can decide and innovate on their own; and
- give students and families more choice of SHS program based on their needs and career goals.
DepEd describes the program as long-term.
Key terms
- Non-DepEd SHS: a school not run by DepEd but given a permit or recognition to offer SHS. This includes private high schools, private colleges and universities, LUCs, SUCs, and technical-vocational institutions.
- Voucher: a state subsidy that helps pay tuition and other published fees at a non-DepEd SHS.
- Grade 10 completers: students in Grade 10 expected to finish Junior High School at the end of SY 2017-2018.
- Voucher Applicants (VAs): students who must apply to qualify.
- Qualified Voucher Recipients (QVRs): automatically qualified students and applicants who qualify.
- Voucher Program Beneficiaries (VPBs): QVRs who actually enroll in a non-DepEd SHS.
Who it covers
Only Grade 10 students from DepEd-recognized schools in SY 2017-2018 are eligible, plus certain ALS and PEPT passers.
| Category | Who | Need to apply? |
|---|---|---|
| A | Grade 10 completers in public JHSs | No |
| B | Grade 10 completers in SUCs and LUCs | No |
| C | Grade 10 completers in private schools who are ESC grantees | No |
| D | Grade 10 completers in private schools who are not ESC grantees | Yes |
| E | ALS A&E Test and PEPT passers certified for Grade 11 in SY 2018-2019, with certification received by May 31, 2018 | Yes, manual application only |
These students are not eligible:
- those who graduated high school in March 2015 or earlier;
- those who completed Grade 10 before or after SY 2017-2018;
- incoming Grade 12 students who were not in the voucher program in Grade 11; and
- non-Filipino students.
How to apply
Online application (deadline: February 28, 2018)
- Create an account in the Online Voucher Application Portal (OVAP) and wait for the confirmation email. An account is not yet an application.
- Click the link in the confirmation email to log in.
- Complete the electronic Voucher Application Form (VAF-1).
- Upload a scan or photo of a recent 2×2 colored ID photo, proof of financial means (see the table below), and a Certificate of Financial Assistance from the school, if applicable.
- Submit when everything is complete. OVAP confirms receipt automatically.
- Wait for an email with your Voucher Application Number (VAN) and instructions.
Online applicants get a longer application period, can submit documents in parts, can track their application, and learn about deficiencies sooner.
Manual application (deadline: January 31, 2018 for Grade 10 completers; June 15, 2018 for ALS and PEPT passers)
- Get the VAF-1 form from a Schools Division Office, JHS, or non-DepEd SHS. It is also attached to the order as an annex and may be reproduced.
- Put these in a long brown envelope: the completed VAF-1, a recent 2×2 colored ID photo, proof of financial means, a Certificate of Financial Assistance (if applicable), and, for ALS and PEPT passers only, a Certificate of Eligibility to enroll in Grade 11.
- Mail or submit the package to: SHS Voucher Program Applications, PEAC National Secretariat, 5th Floor Salamin Building, 197 Salcedo Street, Makati City 1229.
Every application must include a mobile number or email address. For manual applications, a courier with tracking is highly recommended.
Proof of financial means
| If the parent, guardian, or supporter is | Required document | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Employed in the Philippines (including self-employed) | Latest Annual Income Tax Return, or Certificate of Employment | BIR, or employer |
| Employed abroad | Certificate of Employment | Employer or recruitment agency |
| Unemployed and without income | Certificate of Non-filing of Income Tax Return, or Municipal Certificate of Unemployment | BIR, or Mayor’s office (not the barangay or City Assessor) |
| Unemployed but with other income | Affidavit of Financial Support stating monthly support | Notary public |
The Certificate of Employment must state the person’s occupation and gross monthly income.
Tracking, inquiries, and results
Applicants are responsible for tracking their own application. Online applicants check their OVAP account. PEAC publishes the status of manual applications on its website. For follow-ups, call the PEAC hotline at 02-840-6000 or email shs.vms@fape.org.ph.
Results were released on March 31, 2018 for Grade 10 completers and June 29, 2018 for ALS and PEPT passers, posted on OVAP. Qualified students are tagged as QVRs in the DepEd Learner Information System (LIS).
Voucher amounts
Maximum voucher amounts, in pesos per student per school year:
| Location of non-DepEd SHS | Categories A or B | Categories A or B, if the SHS is an LUC or SUC | Categories C, D, E |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Capital Region | 22,500 | 11,250 | 18,000 |
| Highly urbanized cities outside NCR | 20,000 | 10,000 | 16,000 |
| All other locations | 17,500 | 8,750 | 14,000 |
Schools are paid either their total school fees or the maximum voucher amount, whichever is lower.
Schedule for SY 2018-2019
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| December 6, 2017 | Start of application period |
| January 31, 2018 | Deadline for manual applications (Grade 10 completers) |
| February 28, 2018 | Deadline for online applications |
| March 31, 2018 | Results for Grade 10 completers; start of voucher redemption |
| June 15, 2018 | Deadline for manual applications (ALS and PEPT passers) |
| June 29, 2018 | Results for ALS and PEPT passers |
| August 31, 2018 | Deadline for redeeming vouchers |
Redeeming the voucher
A QVR redeems the voucher by enrolling in a non-DepEd SHS in the first semester right after finishing Grade 10. The student must still meet the school’s admission requirements. The voucher covers two years, no matter how long the student takes to finish SHS.
Roles of DepEd, PEAC, students, and schools
- DepEd owns the program, sets policy, provides resources, and monitors results.
- PEAC (Private Education Assistance Committee) manages the program, processes applications, and releases results.
- Students choose their SHS and make sure their applications are complete and received on time.
- Schools process documents students request and may hold orientations and career guidance. They must not impose their own preferences on students.
DepEd and PEAC also conduct random checks on schools and students and review the guidelines periodically.
Annexes listed in the order
- Annex 1a: VAF-1 for Grade 10 Private Non-ESC Completers
- Annex 1b: VAF-1 for ALS A&E and PEPT Passers
- Annex 2: Certification of Financial Assistance
- Annex 3a: SHS VP Online Application Process Flow Chart
- Annex 3b: SHS VP Manual Application Process Flow Chart
Frequently asked questions
Who automatically qualifies for the SHS voucher under DepEd Order No. 60, s. 2017?
Grade 10 completers in public JHSs, in SUCs and LUCs, and in private schools who are ESC grantees qualify automatically. They do not need to apply.
Who needs to apply for the SHS voucher?
Grade 10 completers in private schools who are not ESC grantees, and ALS A&E and PEPT passers certified for Grade 11 by May 31, 2018. ALS and PEPT passers apply manually.
Is the voucher given to students as cash?
No. DepEd pays the non-DepEd senior high school directly, up to the maximum voucher amount or the school’s total fees, whichever is lower.
How much is the SHS voucher?
It depends on the student’s category and the school’s location and type. The maximum ranges from 8,750 to 22,500 pesos per student per school year, with the highest amounts in NCR.
Can I appeal if my voucher application is denied?
No. The order states that results are final and not subject to appeal, and late, incomplete, or false applications are disqualified.
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