IRR of RA 10612: S&T Scholarship Act

Strengthen science and technology education by fast-tracking graduates in science, mathematics, and engineering.
Provide scholarships to finance education for deserving students in their third year of college in priority S&T courses.
Offer incentives to encourage graduates to teach science and mathematics in high schools across the country.

Act: Republic Act No. 10612, expanding the S&T scholarship program and strengthening teaching.
CHED-Compliant Programs: Programs meeting CHED standards.
General Weighted Average (GWA): A numerical representation of scholastic standing.
S&T Priority Courses: Basic sciences, mathematics, engineering, and applied sciences identified by the DOST-SEI.
Regular Third Year College Student: A student progressing without failing grades enrolled full-time in third year.

Builds on DOST’s existing S&T scholarships under RA No. 7687.
Scholarships offered to third-year college students in priority S&T courses based on merit and competitiveness.
Eligibility: Filipino citizens, enrolled in CHED-compliant programs, GWA at least 83%, and passing the Junior Level Science Scholarship Examination.
Junior Level Science Scholarship refers to 2-3 year grants for third-year students in priority courses.

Annual financial assistance packages equivalent to those under RA No. 7687.
Award duration: Last two years of study, or three years for 5-year courses such as engineering.
Priority given to students in CHED-compliant priority S&T courses.
Applicants must execute a service contract to teach at secondary level and repay funds if defaulting.
Scholarship slot distribution is based on DepEd’s recommendation focusing on regions lacking STEM teachers.

Awardees must teach full-time secondary level STEM subjects for a minimum of 2 years.
Incentives include:
- Starting salary grade equivalent to Special Science Teacher I in Philippine Science High School System.
- Priority job placement, especially in their home province.
- One-time relocation allowance if assigned away from permanent residence.
- Scholarships for further teacher education courses.
- Opportunity to teach prior to passing LET, provided they pass LET within 5 years.
Compliance with teacher hiring rules under RA No. 10533.
Teacher training provided by PNU and allied institutions with 1,000 scholarships annually.

Other STEM graduates not under the scholarship may apply to teach in high schools.
Eligibility includes Filipino citizenship, STEM degree with GWA ≥ 83%, age below 40, and no conflicting service obligations.
Must comply with PRC and RA 10533 requirements.
These professionals also receive teacher training to fully prepare for secondary school teaching roles.

DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) is the main implementing agency responsible for scholarship grant management and coordination.
DepEd ensures job placement, hiring, salary grades, and teacher monitoring under this program.

DOST and DepEd, coordinated with CHED and NGOs, conduct information and advocacy campaigns focusing on teacher shortage areas.
Regular reporting to the President and Congress on program implementation and recommendations.
Bi-annual meetings among DepEd, CHED, and DOST to review policies and implementation issues.
Amendments to the IRR require joint promulgation by DOST and DepEd Secretaries.

Funding initially charged to DOST-SEI’s current appropriations.
Future funding included in annual General Appropriations Act and may accept donations.
Repeals inconsistent rules and ensures separability in case of invalid provisions.
IRR takes effect 15 days after publication and must be registered with the National Administrative Register.