Declaration of Policy
- The State aims to protect and promote the right to quality and accessible education for all citizens.
- Establishes a financial assistance system focused on deserving students, especially the underprivileged.
- Institutionalizes the "Iskolar ng Bayan Programa," a college scholarship program for top graduates of public high schools.
- Adheres to academic standards and policies of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).
Coverage
- Scholarships cover top ten (10) graduates of all public high schools as per Department of Education (DepED) guidelines.
- Eligible for enrollment as freshmen in SUCs, subject to SUC admission requirements.
- Public high schools with more than 500 graduates get one additional scholarship slot for every additional 500 graduates, awarded to subsequent ranked students.
Admission in SUCs
- Entitles top ten graduates from public high schools to scholarship grants upon meeting specified conditions:
- Graduation within two (2) years prior to application.
- Compliance with SUC application requirements.
- Rank certified by school principal with relevant details.
- Passing SUC entrance exam minimum rating.
- For the first six years of implementation, admission to SUCs within their region is automatic for top ten graduates.
Limitations in Acceptance by SUCs
- SUCs must provide scholarships to qualified applicants who pass entrance exams and admission requirements.
- SUCs may limit admissions if eligible applicants exceed by more than 5% the average number of freshmen admitted in the two prior years.
- CHED and SUCs will set guidelines for acceptance.
Support to the Program
- Multiple government agencies support implementation:
- CHED: reviews capacity of SUCs, develops scholar guidance systems, ensures compliance.
- DepED: disseminates program information, conducts graduate census, identifies top graduates, ensures compliance.
- SUCs: provide program information, report capacity to CHED, offer summer bridge programs, assist scholars.
- Local Government Units encouraged to create local scholarship programs.
- Private Higher Education Institutions and corporations encouraged to support or create similar programs.
Limitations of the Program
- Scholarship covers full tuition and other school fees only for the first college year.
- Subsequent years covered by CHED’s regular financial assistance, subject to CHED guidelines.
Reportorial Requirements of SUCs
- SUCs must submit annual reports to CHED detailing admitted scholars, courses, academic standing, and other key data.
- CHED submits copies of reports to Congress.
Performance Monitoring and Impact Assessment
- CHED conducts rigorous evaluations regarding program impact and progress every five years.
- Evaluations include education outcomes, economic indicators, and contributions to community service.
- Measures include student coverage, quality of SUCs enrolled in, economic status at enrollment.
- Tracer studies and surveys for experimental analyses are utilized.
Appropriations
- Funding for the program included in annual General Appropriations Act through CHED or concerned SUCs budgets.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- CHED and DepED, with stakeholders, must issue implementing rules within 60 days after the law’s effectivity.
Separability Clause
- If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions remain effective.
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent laws, orders, or regulations are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Effectivity Clause
- Law takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.