Signed and approved by former President Benigno Aquino III, the Republic Act (RA) No. 19533, or the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013“, prolonged the Philippine basic education, turning 10 to 13 years. It includes Kindergarten, Grade 11, and Grade 12 in Senior High School (SHS). Since every Filipino has the right to access quality education, eligible Grades 11 and 12 learners will receive government assistance through the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS VP), accessible by following the guidelines under DepEd Order 32, series 2022.

Also Read: Brigada Eskwela Program: How to Participate in Your School

The Department of Education (DepEd) should manage and enact this order to ensure its proper implementation and compliance of learners and schools. It contains the implementing guidelines for applicants’ eligibility and application procedures for the SHS VP. In addition, it enclosed the schedule and redemption of the SHS VP and other conditions that may lead to the disqualification or approval of voucher applicants.

What is DepEd Order 32

On June 28, 2022, the Department of Education promulgated the DepEd Order (DO) 32, series (s.) 2022, titled the “Guidelines on Eligibility and Application for the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS VP) for School Year 2022-2023.” This order contains details about the voucher application, including the requirements, qualifications, procedure, schedule, redemption, and other information related to the SHS VP. Also, these guidelines apply nationwide for vouchers redeemable in SY 2022-2023 and will remain effective unless repealed or amended.

Guidelines on Eligibility and Application for the Senior High School Voucher Program for School Year 2022-2023

Implementation Roles and Responsibilities

As the institutional owner of the SHS VP, DepEd has the final authority over the policy decisions and transpiring issues on its implementation. DepEd also developed essential policies, provided resources, and supervised and assessed the guidelines relevant to SHS VP objectives, ensuring its success. Furthermore, the Department has oversight power over its concerned offices and the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), which is in agreement with DepEd to oversee the SHS VP implementation.

Meanwhile, schools must provide parents and learners with SHS VP information, assistance, and guidance on the application process. Schools should also process the documents learners requested and educate them about guidance programs, perform SHS VP orientation, and provide essential resources to expedite voucher applications.

Also Read: DepEd Homeroom Guidance Program

Eligibility

Learners are eligible for SHS VP given they have completed Junior High School (JHS) in DepEd-operated public schools and public or private educational institutions not directly managed by the Department but obtained a permit or government recognition to continue its operation.

Learners are also eligible for SHS VP if they have completed Grade 10 as passers of the Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS A&E) Test or as passers of the Presentation Portfolio Assessment and the Philippine Education Placement Test (PEPT).

These learners should be called Grade 10 completers, subdivided into the following:

1. Automatically Qualified Learners

Automatically Qualified learners refer to Grade 10 completers who fall under the categories below. They’re automatically qualified voucher recipients (QVRs), so they no longer have to apply for vouchers.

• Category A: All SY 2021-2022 Grade 10 completers in Public Schools
• Category B: All SY 2021-2022 Grade 10 completers in Private Schools who are grantees of the Education Service Contracting (ESC)

2. Voucher Applicants

These learners are required to apply for vouchers. They’re considered voucher applicants (VAs), and their acceptance depends on the set parameters of funds availability.

• Category C: All SY 2021-2022 Grade 10 completers in private Schools who don’t receive ESC.
• Category D: All Grade 10 completers who finished Grade 10 before SY 2021-2022 but not earlier than 2016 and not previously enrolled for Grade 11.
• Category E: Learners who passed the ALS A&E Test for Grade 10, not earlier than 2016. Additionally, the learner did not previously enroll in Grade 11. ALS learners who have also passed or will take the Portfolio Assessment in SY 2022-2023 are considered voucher applicants.
• Category F: Learners who passed the PEPT for Grade 10 not earlier than 2016 and did not enroll previously for Grade 11. This category also covers learners who will take the PEPT for Grade 10 in SY 2022-2023.

On the contrary, the learners who fall into the following categories are not qualified for SHS VP:

• Learners who graduated High School in 2015 or earlier
• Incoming Grade 12 learners who were not part of SHS VP in Grade 11
• Non-Filipino learners

Table 1. Eligibility Guide

Voucher Application Procedures

Learners can only apply for the voucher online for free since DepEd doesn’t accept manual applications. Keep in mind that VAs are discouraged from submitting multiple applications. Nonetheless, DepEd will not accept submissions of applications. All applications are processed via PEAC NS through the Online Voucher Application Portal (OVAP) at http://ovap.peac.org.ph. Check the table below for the voucher online application procedure.

Table 2. Voucher Application Procedure

Tracking the Application, Follow-ups, and Inquiries

The VA is responsible for ensuring their voucher application is correct, complete, attested, and received on or before the deadline. Moreover, VAs should track the status of their application via their OVAP account. VAs may also inquire about the voucher application process via the PEAC National Secretariat email at shsvp.application@peac.org.ph.

Qualification or Disqualification

As listed in the eligibility requirements, Grade 10 completers who fall under Categories A and B are considered QVRs. Hence, they don’t need to apply for the voucher since PEAC and DepEd will not process it. PEAC NS will process all VA application forms on or before August 12, 2022, and send the results to DepEd for approval.

The following applications are grounds for disqualification:

Applications submitted after the deadline

Applications with incomplete VAF-1

Applications by the following learners who are not eligible for the SHS VP:

• Learners who graduated High School in 2015 or earlier
• Incoming Grade 12 learners who were not part of SHS VP in Grade 11
• Non-Filipino learners

Results of Application

VAs will not receive notifications about the results. But they can access and check the results of their application posted on OVAP. Results are available on the PEAC NS and DepEd websites and other media. If the VA falls under Categories E and F, becoming a QVA is subject to their PEPT, Presentation Portfolio Assessment, or ALS A&E results.

However, VAs who failed to pass the tests/assessments for SY 2022-2023 will not be eligible to redeem a voucher and will not qualify as a Voucher Program Beneficiary (VPB) regardless of successful SHS VP applications.

Grounds for disqualification/exclusion of QVA and revocation of voucher:

• False information in the application or supporting documents
• Failure of the submitted supporting documents to support declared information in the VAF-1
• Failure to submit proof of eligibility to enroll for Grade 11 as ALS Qualifier
• Failure to submit proof of eligibility to enroll for Grade 11 as a PEPT Qualifier

Voucher Validity and Redemption

For QVRs, vouchers are redeemable by enrolling for Grade 11 at a VP-participating SHS in any DepEd-approved learning delivery options. Like other learners, the QVR must comply with admission requirements imposed by the VP-participating SHS. Once the QVR is successfully enrolled, the learner is considered a voucher program beneficiary (VPB).

During enrollment, QVRs should present the documents in Table 4 to their chosen VP-participating SHS to prove their eligibility. Visit this link bit.ly/39lqx8L to check the list of SHS VP-participating schools and the requirements for online application via OVAP.

Table 4. Documentary Evidence of Eligibility

The voucher is redeemable from August 22, 2022, to November 4, 2022. However, the voucher will no longer be valid if the beneficiary fails to redeem it within the prescribed period. Also, note that the voucher only covers two school years, Grades 11 and 12, regardless of the number of school years the recipient will take to finish SHS.

Applicable Voucher Values

The applicable amount of each voucher is decided based on the category the QVR falls under. In addition, the vouchers amount depends on the location, type, and fees of the VP-participating SHS where the QVR chooses to enroll. The table below shows the maximum voucher amounts:

Table 5. Maximum Applicable Voucher Amount

The vouchers amount refers to the maximum payment a VP-participating SHS should receive as payment for the VPB per school year. Participating educational institutions will receive voucher payments depending on the total school fees they charge or the maximum voucher amount applicable, whichever is lower.

Schedule of Implementation

VAs should also remember the dates below since it’s relevant to SHS VP implementation:

• June 29, 2022 – Start of the voucher application period, which includes VA OVAP Account Creation & Application Submission
• July 22, 2022 – Deadline for the creation of accounts on OVAP
• July 29, 2022 – Deadline for submission of applications on OVAP
• August 12, 2022 – PEAC NS will forward all processed application forms to DepEd for approval
• August 22, 2022 – Posting of application results in the QVA Account Panel and the start of voucher redemption

Monitoring and Evaluation

DepEd and PEAC will perform random checks on schools and learners to guarantee compliance with the voucher program. The Regional Program Committees (RPComs), which consist of DepEd Schools Division Offices, Regional Offices, and PEAC Regional Secretariats, will provide feedback, including queries and complaints regarding the implementation of these guidelines to the DepEd Central Office via the GAS Program Management Office (GAS-PMO) and the PEAC NS.

Apart from that, PEAC should supervise the voucher application by regularly checking the process to ensure standards, data integrity, and turnaround times. PEAC should also prepare and submit interim reports to DepEd to enhance the SHS VP’s future implementations. For inquiries and concerns, voucher applicants may send their feedback via the Public Assistance Action Center and its field counterparts.

DepEd Order 32 Full Memo Download

To access and download the complete PDF of DepEd Order No. 32, series of 2022, a direct link is available on this page. By clicking the download button below, you can easily obtain a copy of DepEd Order 32 in PDF format.

Full PDF DepEd 32 memo file: https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/DO_s2022_032.pdf

Summary

To sum up, incoming Senior High School (SHS) learners should follow the guidelines enclosed in DepEd Order 32, series 2022, to ensure their eligibility for the voucher program. These guidelines also include details regarding the SHS VP requirements, schedule, application, and redemption process. Furthermore, this order details the ineligible applicants and other grounds for disqualification for voucher redemption. Hence, learners who wish to apply and redeem their voucher from August 22, 2022, to November 4, 2022, should refer to these guidelines.

The Department of Health (DOH) – Philippines recorded the country’s first case of COVID-19 on January 30, 2020. Because of this, the economy plummeted, and education became inaccessible. This global health issue brought sudden changes and restrictions, making it unsafe for learners to study physically in school. Hence, the Department of Education (DepEd) promulgated the DepEd Order 24, series 22.

Also Read: DepEd Homeroom Guidance Program

DepEd issued this policy, aiming to address the impacts of the pandemic on education. It can help the department provide quality education while ensuring learners’ rights and safety. The policy will also assist DepEd in identifying and resolving issues in the future and concerns of various learners. That’s why DepEd personnel and officers should adopt and implement this order.

What is DepEd Order 24

Issued by the Department of Education on May 30, 2022, the DepEd Order (DO) 24, series (s.) 2022, closed the Basic Education Development Plan (BEDP) 2030. DepEd will use BEDP as the medium-term plan to cover all formal education, including Kindergarten (K), Elementary, Junior High School (JHS), Senior High School (SHS), and nonformal education via the Alternative Learning System (ALS). The plan is developed by considering the priorities and views of all stakeholders in the education sector to ensure the proper implementation of BEDP.

Furthermore, BEDP 2030 embeds the aspirations and priorities of DepEd, the national government development agenda, international commitments, and global trends in the educational sector, which are adapted based on the circumstances of the Philippines. Hence, all DepEd offices and units at all governance levels should modify their policies, plans, and programs by aligning them with BEDP 2030.

Also Read: EBEIS: Enhanced Basic Education Information System 

Objectives

To be precise, here are the following objectives of BEDP 2030:

• DepEd will utilize BEDP as a blueprint for the following decade to formulate, implement coordination, monitor, evaluate, and supervise plans, policies, programs, and projects in formal and nonformal areas of basic education.
• Serve as a strategic roadmap for DepEd to comply with when improving the quality and delivery of basic education and learners’ experience in the learning environment.
• Resolve the immediate impacts of the pandemic on participation and learning.
• Address learning loss, strengthen learning gains, and reduce access gaps
• Face issues on education quality and forecast future problems in the sector
• Launch innovations that promote resiliency and instill education rights of children and youth.

Adoption of the Basic Education Development Plan 2030

The Basic Education Development Plan (BEDP) will take effect from 2022 to 2030 to pursue DepEd’s goal wherein all Filipinos can realize their maximum potential and participate in meaningful contributions by protecting and promoting the right to quality education. In addition, BEDP relies on the Philippine Development Plan and Ambition 2040, the Sulong Edukalidad Framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030. It will also serve as a strategic roadmap for DepEd, ensuring the delivery of enhanced quality education.

Priority Development Areas

To address the issues and challenges determined in the Basic Education Sector Analysis (BESA), DepEd developed BEDP by focusing on the following priority development areas:

• Pivoting to quality to ensure all learners obtain learning standards in every key stage in the K to 12 program.
• Expand access to education for groups in disadvantaged circumstances to guarantee inclusive and unbiased delivery of quality service.
• Empower learners to obtain life skills and be resilient.
• Bolster the promotion of learners’ overall well-being in a positive learning environment where they can experience joy, exercise their rights, and realize their responsibilities as  individuals and members of the community.

Also Read: Brigada Pagbasa Program

The Filipino Learner: Competencies and Aspirations

The BEDP is formulated based on the capabilities and aspirations that Filipino learners should develop, allowing them to contribute to building a cohesive and progressive nation. Hence, the BEDP envisioned Filipino learners fully developed in basic education. This order focuses on helping learners obtain 21st-century skills to control themselves, establish connections, be innovative, quick-witted, and serve others. Moreover, Filipino learners must take pride in their national identity and nationhood, aim to prosper and acquire life skills, and uphold the following core values: Maka-Diyos, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa.

Implementation Strategy

DepEd implemented the BEDP 2030 starting 2022 to 2030, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030. Its implementation will be in two phases:

Phase 1 (2022-2026)

The BEDP phase 1 implementation involves responses to the abrupt impacts of COVID-19 on participation and learning, covering the following areas:

Post-COVID-19 recovery and transition – DepEd prioritizes reducing the negative impacts of immediately shifting from face-to-face to pure distance learning. The department will also help bridge the learning gaps brought about by the COVID-19 lockdown while boosting the innovations and learning gains enforced by the pandemic.

Address the remaining access gaps, especially for groups in disadvantaged situations

Prioritize quality in the following areas:

• Boost programs on reading, numeracy, socioemotional learning, 21s century skills, and reskilling teachers
• Hone teachers’ skillset’s in contextualization to resolve concerts of diverse learners
• Reinforce instructional leadership and supervision to enhance teaching quality

System-wide capacity development

Phase 2 (2026-2030)

Under this phase, DepEd will focus on maintaining the gains and assessing programs by prioritizing the following:

• Continue programs and programs on access, equity, quality, and learners’ resilience and rights
• Implementation of innovations launched under the Education Futures Programme
• Program and impact evaluation
• Development of new programs to resolve the issues and opportunities emerging in the education sector
• End of plan assessment

Overview of the Structure of the Education Sector in the Philippines

This order also states that the Philippine education system contains four levels:

• Early Childhood Care and Development
• Basic Education
• Technical-Vocational Education
• Higher Education

Meanwhile, the K to 12 Basic Education Program comprises the following:

• Formal Education
• Kindergarten to Grades 1–3 (Stage 1)
• Grades 4–6 (Stage 2)
• Junior High School, Grades 7–10 (Stage 3)
• Senior High School, Grades 11–12 (Stage 4)
• Alternative Learning System
• Private Education

DepEd Order 24 Full Memo Download

To access and download the complete PDF of DepEd Order No. 24 , series of 2022, a direct link is available on this page. By clicking the download button below, you can easily obtain a copy of DepEd Order 24 in PDF format.

Full PDF DepEd 24 memo file: https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/DO_s2022_024.pdf

Video: DEPED ORDER NO. 024, S. 2022

Watch the video below to learn more about DepEd Order 24, series 2022:

As discussed in the video, DepEd Order 24, series 2022, is titled the “Adoption of the Basic Education Development Plan (BEDP) 2030. This order will help DepEd and educational institutions in addressing the impacts of COVID-19 in the education sector, specifically participation and learning loss. DepEd can also use this order to enhance the provision of quality basic education. Thus, Filipino learners will benefit from the implementation of this policy.

Summary

Despite being unable to counteract the impacts of COVID-19, DepEd has issued a policy that can help the department, its offices, and agencies address the issues and challenges arising in education. With the issuance of DepEd Order 24, series 2022, DepEd can develop strategies that will help resolve the learning gaps and loss. Apart from that, the gradual implementation of this policy will make things easier for learners, allowing them to obtain essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the 21st century. Therefore, concerned stakeholders must ensure the implementation of the BEDP 2023

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) Philippines implemented new policies for the health and safety of teachers and learners. Distance learning became the primary mode of teaching wherein learners and teachers are not required to be physically present within the classroom setting. Afterward, the health and safety restrictions eased, giving way to the return of in-person classes and the issuance of DepEd Order 35, series 2022.

Also Read: Salary of DepEd Teachers Explained

DepEd issued this order in preparation for School Year (SY) 2022-2023 by providing enrollment guidelines to re-introduce in-person classes. This order provides a clear guide to public and private schools offering basic education regarding enrollment procedures while ensuring the safety of learners and their personnel. Therefore, school heads and teachers should administer these guidelines and inform parents, legal guardians, and learners about the new enrollment procedures.

What is DepEd Order 35

Issued on July 23, 2022, the DepEd Order (DO) 35, series (s.) 2022, enclosed the Guidelines on Enrollment for School Year 2022-2023 in the Context of Re-introduction of the In-Person Classes. The Department of Education issued this order to prepare for the opening of SY 2022-2023 on August 22, 2022, and to adapt to the relaxing mobility restrictions. It contains the implementing guidelines for the improved enrollment process that reflects the current health and safety conditions in the Philippines for SY 2022-2023.

In compliance with DO 34, s. 2022 (School Calendar and Activities for the School Year 2022-2023), DepEd mandates the start of enrollment from July 25 to August 22, 2022. This order also states the provision of remote enrollment options in different ways while complying with the minimum health and safety standards the Philippine government issued. Furthermore, the enhanced enrollment guidelines will help learners, partners, teachers, and legal guardians during the enrollment procedures for SY 2022-2023.

Also Read: SSL Table 2024-2027 Salary Grade Increase of Philippine Government Workers

Guidelines on Enrollment for School Year 2022-2023 in the Context of Re-introduction of the In-Person Classes

Scope

The DepEd Order 35, series 2022, provides guidelines to school heads, teachers, parents, and legal guardians about the new and enhanced enrollment procedure for SY 2022-2023 from July 25, 2022, to August 22, 2022. The policies and procedures in this order apply to all public schools in basic education, including the Alternative Learning System (ALS). Meanwhile, DepEd encourages private schools, state/local universities, and colleges (SUCs/LUCs) providing basic education to adopt these guidelines to their specific conditions.

In addition, the guidelines under DepEd Order 35, series 2022, should take effect from SY 2022-2023. Nonetheless, the provisions of DepEd Order 3, series 2018, should remain effective – regarding the registration documentary requirements and eligibility, tagging, and recording protocols.

Also Read: STRAND in Senior High Explained

Enrollment Procedures

The following procedures may be administered for SY 2022-2023 enrollment:

1. In-person Enrollment – This procedure applies within the school premises where parents and learners can come personally to process the enrollment, while complying with the minimum health and safety standards, such as temperature checks, wearing of facemask, physical distance, and alcohol availability.

2. Remote Enrollment – This can be performed by providing digital forms. Once filled out, the parent or learner can send it via the school’s official email address or any messaging platform utilized by the school.

3. Enrollment through Dropbox forms – In this procedure, the parent, legal guardian, or learner can fill out the enrollment form in their homes. Then, submit it personally through designated dropboxes in the school where the learner wishes to enroll. Schools may also put a dropbox in front of the school or every Barangay Hall. Schools may also put dropboxes in other accessible locations where parents/legal guardians can obtain a printed copy of the Basic Education Enrollment Form (BEEF) and submit it in the same dropbox.

Specific Instructions to Parents/Legal Guardians and Enrollees

For In-person Enrollment

For parents/legal guardians of Kindergarten, Grade 7, and Grade 11 learners, communicate or confirm their intention to enroll their child in their chosen school through physical enrollment and submit the Enhanced BEEF. Unaccompanied learners can enroll if their parent/legal guardian signs their Enhanced BEEF. Additionally, Grade 1 to 6, Grade 8 to 10, and Grade 12 learners with existing LIS accounts are required to fill out the Enhanced BEEF to update their information.

For Remote Enrollment (via email or messaging platform)

Enhanced BEEF should be made available by schools in print and digital format. The Enhanced BEEF digital format should be downloadable from the official websites of DepEd’s Central Office (CO), Regional Offices (ROs), Schools’ Division Offices (SDOs), Schools, and LIS Support page. Also, submit the BEEF digital copy via the school’s official email address or any messaging platform.

For Enrollment using dropboxes

Schools may also place dropbox in front of the school, every Barangay Hall, and other visible locations where BEEF printed copies can be accessed, filled out, and submitted by parents and legal guardians. The hotlines of ROs and SDOs during last year’s enrollment period should remain active, and other communication lines for Oplan Balik Eskwela.

For ALS Enrollees

Meanwhile, ALS enrollees can communicate or confirm their intent to enroll through physical or digital enrollment platforms created by schools and barangays with community learning centers (CLCs). The Modified ALS Form 2 below should be available in physical and digital format. Also, mobile teachers should submit the ALS enrollment summary to the Education Program Specialist (EPSA).

DepEd Order 35 Full Memo Download

To access and download the complete PDF of DepEd Order No. 35 , series of 2022, a direct link is available on this page. By clicking the download button below, you can easily obtain a copy of DepEd Order 35 in PDF format.

Full PDF DepEd 35 memo file:  https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/DO_s2022_035.pdf

Video: CLARIFICATIONS: DEPED ENROLLMENT FOR SY 2022-2023 | DEPED ORDER NO. 35 S.2022 #SirpogiElyu

Watch the video below to learn more about DepEd Order 35, series 2022:

As discussed in the video, DepEd Order 35, series 2022, clarifies the enrollment procedure for SY 2022-2023 since many teachers are having confusion whether online or in-person classes will take effect. DepEd’s Central Office also issued a clarification, stating that it’s not mandatory to conduct in-person enrollment for SY 2022-2023. Conducting in-person enrollment is only advised if applicable to the situation.

DepEd Order 35 also contains a mechanism for remote enrollment, and a Good Moral Character Certificate is not a requirement. Hence, teachers, parents, guardians, and learners should read the guidelines under DepEd Order 35, series 2022, to ensure proper enrollment procedures.

Summary

By issuing the DepEd Order 35, series 2022, schools, teachers, parents, legal guardians, and learners are informed of the new and enhanced enrollment procedures administered for SY 2022-2023. This order also considered the easing of COVID-19 restrictions while ensuring public safety. It allows various enrollment procedures, including in-person, remote, and the use of dropbox. These guidelines apply to all public schools and ALS in the country, and private schools and SUCs/LUCs may adopt them. Thus, all concerned should ensure the implementation of the guidelines under DepEd Order 35, series 2022.