Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10612)
The short title of Republic Act No. 10612 is the 'Fast-Tracked Science and Technology (S&T) Scholarship Act of 2013.'
The State shall prioritize research and development, invention, innovation, and their utilization, with special focus on science and technology education, training, and services to promote national development.
To fast track the education of graduates in science, technology, and engineering who will teach science and mathematics subjects in secondary schools nationwide, especially in their home regions.
The Department of Science and Technology’s Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) is the main implementing agency for the scholarship program.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens, regular third-year college students enrolled in approved S&T courses in CHED-compliant programs, have a general weighted average (GWA) of at least 83% in their first two years, and must qualify in the Junior-Level Science Scholarship Examination.
Recipients must teach full-time in high schools, covering subjects such as Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Information Technology, or Agricultural-related technology courses, for a minimum of two years.
They are required to repay all scholarship amounts received plus applicable interest and penalties within a specified time, as provided in their service contract.
Incentives include a starting salary equivalent to a Special Science Teacher I in the Philippine Science High School System, priority job placement (especially in their home province), relocation allowance, scholarships for teacher education, and the requirement to pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) within five years.
It mandates institutions like the Philippine Normal University and other recognized teacher education institutions to provide training, including 1,000 scholarships per year for hired teachers, coordinated with Department of Education programs.
Yes. Other STEM graduates who meet certain criteria, such as having a degree with a GWA of at least 83%, being Filipino citizens, at least 40 years old, and with no conflicting service obligations, may also apply to teach science, mathematics, or technology subjects in high schools.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-SEI), Department of Education (DepED), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) are responsible for implementation and monitoring.
The scholarship lasts for the last two years of undergraduate study, or the last three years for five-year courses such as engineering.
They are equal to the full financial assistance package provided under Republic Act No. 7687 for approved undergraduate programs at quality schools.
It took effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette and at least two national newspapers of general circulation.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Education (DepED) must promulgate the rules and regulations within 60 days of the law's approval.