Question & AnswerQ&A (DA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 09)
The legal basis is Republic Act No. 9496, which amended Republic Act No. 8178 and provides for the extension of the utilization period of the ACEF including setting aside 10% of the fund for a scholarship program.
Ten percent (10%) of the total available funds in Special Fund 183 is allocated for the scholarship program.
Incoming college, post-secondary, and returning students in participating State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and TESDA-managed or supervised institutions, who are Filipino citizens, in need of financial assistance, physically and mentally fit, of good moral character, and not recipients of other similar government scholarships.
Any SUC and TESDA-managed or supervised education and training institutions offering degree, diploma, and certificate courses in agriculture, fishery, forestry, and other courses useful to agriculture and fisheries development.
Courses include Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Agricultural Chemistry, Food Technology, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Engineering, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Fisheries, Forestry, other agriculture-related degrees, diploma and certificate courses, and biotech or other cutting-edge technology courses.
The scholarship covers full tuition and other school fees, a monthly stipend of up to P4,000, and a P3,000 book allowance or other course requirements for TESDA-managed diploma and certificate courses.
A grantee must maintain a GPA of at least 2.50 every semester, have no conditional or failing grades, take the full semestral load, not drop any subjects, and avoid disciplinary actions involving suspension or criminal convictions.
For every year of full scholarship, the scholar shall render two years of service in the government, as stated in the contract of agreement with the government.
Applicants must submit a duly accomplished application form, passport size photo with signature, parents or guardian’s income tax returns or exemption certificate, barangay clearance, school Form 137, certificates of good moral character and good health.
The DA-ACEF ExeCom directly pays tuition and other school fees to the school upon billing, while stipends and allowances are given monthly to grantees via payroll or ATM. Thesis and non-thesis grants are given upon enrollment or start of on-the-job training respectively.