June 26, 2020 – The Department of Education (DepEd) would like to clarify the account of Secretary Leonor Briones published by GMA News Online last June 23, regarding the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS-VP).

The SHS-VP is an annual program of the Department which provides financial assistance to qualified Grade 10 completers who want to pursue their desired SHS education in private schools, state universities and colleges, and local universities and colleges. Recently, there has been some confusion over whether or not the SHS-VP will continue for the incoming school year, as Secretary Briones mentioned the Php 8-Billion fund reduction (1.7B coming from the SHS Voucher Program) of the Department for the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act fund.

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. We are finalizing the implementation of this program, but still require further information on the demand based on this year’s enrollment. DepEd is expecting the results of the Learner Enrollment and Survey Forms (LESF) to provide the necessary information. The Department shall open the application for the SHS-VP for SY 2020-2021 once we have the necessary information and funding in place.

DepEd expresses its gratitude to all our stakeholders for their cooperation, patience, and support. 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.

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