QuestionsQuestions (IRR Republic Act No. 10612)
The State policy prioritizes research and development and S&T education, training, and services. The objective is to develop S&T manpower and provide quality science and mathematics teachers at the secondary level by fast-tracking capable students through scholarships and incentives to teach, especially in their home regions.
An applicant must be a Filipino citizen; a regular third-year college student at the time of award; enrolled in identified priority S&T courses (especially CHED-compliant programs) at an SUC/LUC or private college/university; has a GWA of at least 83% (or equivalent) in first and second years; and passes the Junior Level Science Scholarship Examination administered by DOST-SEI.
A student who has completed first and second years in college without any failing grade in all academic subjects and is currently enrolled in full load in the third year level as prescribed in the curricular program.
They refer to four (4) or five (5) year courses in the basic sciences, mathematics, engineering and other applied sciences identified as priority fields of study by the DOST-SEI.
The GWA refers to overall scholastic standing used for evaluation, based on grades in all academic subjects taken during the first and second years in college in the S&T priority course the applicant is enrolled in.
Applicants must pass the Junior Level Science Scholarship Examination administered by DOST-SEI. It refers to two (2) or three (3) year science scholarship grants awarded to regular third-year college students in priority S&T courses at identified institutions.
Recipients receive an award for the last two (2) years of undergraduate study, or last three (3) years for those in five (5)-year courses such as engineering, while matriculating in the approved program.
Recipients are entitled to an annual award for full-time study equal to the complete financial assistance package offered under RA 7687, for approved undergraduate programs at quality schools such as CHED-compliant programs and DOST Network Institutions, with a minimum number of slots in private schools to offset tuition cost differences (guidelines to be issued by DOST-SEI).
Recipients must pursue degrees in S&T as identified and approved by DOST as priority S&T courses. Applicants currently enrolled under such courses in CHED-compliant programs are given priority.
Applicants must execute a service contract agreeing to teach full-time in secondary level basic education in a public or private high school as return of service; agree to approved ROS conditions; and agree to repay disbursed amounts plus applicable interest if they fail to comply. The contract must stipulate grounds for breach, penalties, and definite payment period.
Recipients must teach full-time high school subject(s) in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, or Information Technology or Agricultural/Aquaculture/Fisheries Technology, in both the university track and technical-vocational track of the secondary education curriculum, for a minimum of two (2) years in a public or private high school.
Incentives include: starting salary grade equivalent to Special Science Teacher I in the Philippine Science High School System; priority for job placement with first priority in home province; one-time relocation allowance if assigned outside permanent residence; scholarships in identified teacher education institutions for Science Education courses; and teaching opportunity for those without LET eligibility, provided they pass LET within five (5) years from hiring.
Yes. They may opt to teach full-time any courses identified in Section 1, Rule IV for a minimum of two (2) years in a public or private high school in their home region.
DOST-SEI is the main implementing agency, responsible for evaluation, award-giving, monitoring of scholarship grants and awardees, and formulating guidelines for monitoring and evaluation. DepEd ensures job placement and hiring of qualified graduates as secondary teachers, ensures they are hired at Special Science Teacher salary grades as specified in the Act consistent with RA 10533, and evaluates and monitors hired teachers.
DOST allocates scholarship slots to areas based on DepEd recommendations. DepEd must provide and continuously update an information system including regions with a dearth/shortage of Science, Technology, and Mathematics teachers at the secondary level.
The Philippine Normal University (PNU), as national center for teacher education, together with its network of universities and CHED-compliant teacher education programs recognized by CHED and DepEd, is tasked to provide training for hired teachers under the program. One thousand (1,000) scholarships are made available annually for this purpose, coordinated with DepEd. PNU and other designated institutions with PRC design and implement a training program aimed at LET qualification.
Other STEM graduates/professionals may apply if Filipino, graduated with a STEM degree and GWA of 83% or better; at least forty (40) years of age at time of application; not under conflicting service obligation; and comply with PRC and RA 10533/IRR requirements including continuing professional education/development. They may also receive teacher training in line with Rule IV.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. It must also be registered with the Office of the National Administrative Register at the UP Law Center, UP Diliman, Quezon City.