QuestionsQuestions (DECS ORDER NO. 40, S. 2000)
Both ESC and TFS are anchored on R.A. 8545 (which amends R.A. 6728), consistent with the text’s express statement that R.A. 8545 is the legal basis for both programs.
The Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE) administers both ESC and TFS for SY 2000-2001, replacing the former DECS management.
ESC payment per student grantee is capped at P2,500, though it should be at the rate prescribed by the school for other students not exceeding P2,500.
Applicants enroll in an ESC participating private school of their choice after presenting their elementary report card and undergoing normal admissions; among ESC grantees, preference is given to applicants whose family income is below the poverty line as defined by NEDA (1997: P72,000 per annum).
The private school must have charged tuition and other school fees not higher than the ceiling of P3,500 inclusive of the subsidy for SY 1999-2000.
No. The text states that a student can be recipient of either one of the two programs: ESC or TFS.
Dropouts may be replaced for SY 2000-2001 provided that the number of slots for ESC participating schools in SY 1999-2000 is maintained.
ESC privileges terminate if the ESC grantee fails the minimum requirements that qualify the student for promotion to the next year level under DECS rules.
The school may collect the balance from the ESC grantee provided that the student is notified and the consent of the student’s parents is obtained.
FAPE pays the school a portion of the subsidy based on timing: 10% within the first week; 20% after first week or within second week regardless of attendance; 50% after second week or within third week; and 100% after third week onward.
The required supporting documents include: ESC Form 3 (List of Selected Student Participants), Form 4 (List of Continuing Contract Students by Year Level), ESC Form 5 (Year-End Status Report submitted by the 15th of the following month after school closes), and ESC Form 6 (Certification of Tuition Fees and Other Fees Charged, signed by the Regional Director).
The deadline is August 31, 2000.
Acceptance of new participating schools depends on the availability of funds and is subject to approval of the National Executive Committee.
DECS, upon recommendation of the SAC, may ban the institution/s from participating in or benefitting from GASTPE programs and other DECS programs, without prejudice to administrative and criminal charges under existing laws.
An awardee is disqualified if: (1) the student fails in the majority (five or more) academic subjects enrolled during the course of study unless due to a valid cause; and (2) the student transfers residence outside the region.
Reimbursement of the vouchers is to be made within 120 days from the close of the registration period, provided documents are processed by the ESC/TFS National Secretariat and funds were released by DECS to FAPE.