QuestionsQuestions (BIR REVENUE MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 30-2008)
LOI 1423 authorizes the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) to be administered in more countries overseas beyond the ASEAN, to address increasing demand from students abroad.
Successful completion of the NCEE is described as a prerequisite for admission to all post-secondary or professional degree programs in Philippine colleges and universities.
NCEE examinations had already been held in ASEAN countries based on LOI No. 783 issued on December 15, 1978.
LOI 1423 directs that NCEE examinations in countries other than within ASEAN begin in September 1984.
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (through the National Educational Testing Center or NETC) is tasked to administer the NCEE abroad.
The Minister of Education, Culture and Sports approves specific examination sites based on estimated demand.
The initial sites include the capitals of ASEAN countries plus New York City and Los Angeles (United States), Paris (France), and Lagos (Nigeria).
The exam may be administered by Ministry staff with assistance from foreign service staff, or by duly authorized foreign schools or other appropriate institutions as approved by the Minister.
The examination fee is thirty-five US dollars (US$35.00) for the 1984 examination.
Yes. The fee may be changed in subsequent years with the approval of the Minister.
Receipts from examination fees are held in trust for the Ministry-NETC by the Philippine Mission at the examination site or at a convenient branch of the Philippine National Bank.
All expenses incident to the conduct of the examination abroad are paid from those receipts, subject to Section 40 of P.D. No. 1177.
Implementation guidelines are to be issued by the Minister on recommendation of the NETC.
The LOI is addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, indicating involvement—particularly through the foreign service staff that may assist in administering the exam abroad.
The LOI is addressed to the Minister of Education, Culture and Sports; the Minister of Foreign Affairs; and the Minister of the Budget—reflecting responsibilities for administering the exam, coordinating foreign service support, and budgetary considerations.
As a Letter of Instructions issued by the President under powers vested by law, it directs executive action—authorizing and instructing how the NCEE will be administered overseas.