NO WORRIES. That is the assertion of the Commission of Higher Education to all K to 12 scholars who are having apprehensions on the availability of funds for the Transition Graduate Education Program amidst the issue involving Chairperson Dr. Patricia Licuanan.
CHED Scholarships for Graduate Studies Project Technical Staff Michael Miatari said during the Orientation of K to 12 Transition Graduate Education Scholars for the Second Semester for Academic Year 2016-2017 held in Baguio City on December 15 that funding for the said purpose is intact and the plan of action is being implemented as planned.
“It will not be affected. This is a program,” Miatari said as he answered all clarifications of the nominees and approved scholars from the different Higher Education Institutions and State Universities in Cordillera who were present in the event underscoring the importance of the agency’s thrust on investing in the future of higher education and the former’s role as awardees of the scholarship grant.
It can be recalled that CHED Chair Licuanan was advised by Malacanang to tender a courtesy resignation but the latter opted to remain in her post until 2018 prompting some questions like what will happen to the operation and funding for the said office.
During the orientation, a scholar from Ifugao under the First Semester AY 2016-2017 aired her queries about the delay of the remittance of scholarship privileges which should be deposited through DBP Bank but has not received anything yet up to the present.
According to Licuanan the non-submission of complete documents is the major factor for the cause of delay of funding which include a Living Allowance of P20,000 per month for Master’s and P28,000 for Doctorate.
For CAR out of 185 applicants for CHED K to 12 Scholarship for First Semester AY 2016-2017, 170 were approved. The data for the 2nd Semester is yet to be determined.
The scholars are allowed to teach with the maximum load of 3 units and expected to render a return of service to sending HEI. The SHEIs are expected to give the mandatory government contributions to the approved nominee with regular employment such as the GSIS, Pag-Ibig, and PhilHealth contributions.
The CHED K to 12 Scholarship is a big help for those badly affected by the impact of the transition in HEIs. Hopefully, there will be no delay in the issuance of benefits for the scholars who are relying much for the needed privileges to survive. It will also be good if sending HEIs will be more supportive by also paying the necessary premiums for employees who will not be receiving salary during the scholarship period. Giving a counterpart will also be a big help.
Merry merry Christmas to all of you!
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