DepEd looks for ways to fund SHS voucher program

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said since private schools are part of the educational system, the department would provide them with “compensation and help” as stated in the law. (File photo: DepEd Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) is looking for ways to ensure that the Senior High School Voucher (SHSV) program has sufficient funds for the incoming school year.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the department said it is looking into the number of enrollees in private schools in order to provide appropriate funding for the program.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said since private schools are part of the educational system, the department would provide them with “compensation and help” as stated in the law.

In a recent Laging Handa briefing, Briones said about PHP8 billion was deducted from the department’s budget as its contribution to the Bayanihan Fund for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response.

Even with the cut in budget, Briones assured that the department would implement its mandate as regards the program which provides financial assistance to qualified Grade 10 completers to pursue their desired SHS education.

“Ang challenge ay siguraduhin na funds will be available para sa nagta-transfer out o nagta-transfer in kasi very dynamic ngayon ang movement. May mga lumilipat sa public school, mayroon namang gustong pumunta sa kabila because, perhaps of Covid. Parents dito ang nagde-decide (The challenge here is to decide if funds will be available for those transferring out or transferring in due to the dynamic movement these days. Some transfer to public schools and vice versa perhaps because of Covid. The parents will decide on this),” she said.

As of June 23, data from the department show that about 13,249,306 learners have enrolled in public schools and 491,980 learners have enrolled in private schools.