Law Summary
Program Beneficiaries
- Targeted at incoming college, post-secondary, and returning students.
- Participating institutions include State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and TESDA-managed or supervised education and training institutions focusing on agriculture, fishery, forestry, and related courses.
Source and Allocation of Funds
- Funding comes from 10% of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) available in Special Fund 183.
- Funds are allocated regionally or based on demand by the number of scholars per region.
- Release of funds is subject to the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DA-ACEF ExeCom and participating institutions, and compliance with accounting and auditing rules.
Participating Institutions and Courses
- Includes SUCs and TESDA-supervised institutions offering degree, diploma, and certificate courses relevant to agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and related sectors.
- Specified courses include various Bachelor of Science degrees in agriculture-related fields, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, fisheries, forestry, biotech, and other cutting-edge technology courses.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be Filipino citizens.
- Must be incoming, post-secondary, or returning students enrolling in authorized institutions.
- Require financial assistance and must be physically and mentally fit.
- Must possess good moral character and must not be beneficiaries of similar government scholarships.
Required Documentation
- Application form and passport-sized photo with signature.
- Parents’ or guardians’ income proof, or certificate of exemption or indigence.
- Barangay clearance, academic records (Form 137), certificates of good moral character and good health.
Application and Selection Process
- Selection, approval, and endorsement are managed by partner SUCs.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full payment of tuition and other school fees.
- Monthly stipend of up to PHP 4,000.
- PHP 3,000 book allowance for diploma and certificate courses in TESDA institutions.
Scholar Obligations
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 every semester with no failing or conditional grades.
- Enroll in full semestral load and must not drop subjects.
- Avoid disciplinary actions carrying suspension or criminal/administrative convictions.
- Participate in community service programs related to agriculture and fishery.
- Enter into a contract to render government service: two years of service for every year of scholarship received.
Disbursement of Funds
- Tuition and school fees paid directly to institutions by DA-ACEF ExeCom.
- Stipend and allowances provided monthly to scholars via payroll or ATM.
- Thesis and non-thesis grants are given upon corresponding academic milestones.
Program Implementation Schedule
- Includes information dissemination, selection of scholars through SUCs, and monitoring and evaluation of scholar performance.
Legal Effectivity
- The guidelines take effect immediately upon issuance.