Ched Normin rolls out K-12 transition program

By GERALD LEIGH C. LAQUINON,
Correspondent

THE COMMISSION of Higher Education (Ched 10), here, has rolled out a transition program to capacitate educators of higher education institutions (HEIs) in northern Mindanao cope with the K to 12.

Ched’s Regional Chief Education Program Specialist, John A. Banaynal, said the program includes scholarships for faculty and staff development to help the faculty and non-teaching staff cope with the the nationwide rollout of Senior High School (SHS).

“With Senior High in place, enrollment in private colleges and universities will decline especially in the next five school years or in the transition period, which might render many school personnel out of work,” said Banaynal.

Under the program, a total of 15 thousand slots will be opened nationwide for HEI faculty and non-teaching staff to take master’s and doctoral studies, with the goal of equipping 70 percent of faculty with graduate degrees by year 2021.

Banaynal said that HEIs will nominate scholars and must submit collated requirements by April 1 for the evaluation and approval of the Commission.

Successful applicants will be entitled to financial privileges such as the actual tuition and other fees; book allowance of P10 thousand per academic year; stipend of P20 thousand to P28 thousand; transportation allowance of P10 thousand per academic year; thesis or dissertation allowance of P50 thousand to P100 thousand; and group insurance of P500 per academic year.

Based on the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 or Republic Act 10533, the Ched has been mandated to help ensure a smooth transition to K to 12. Aside from supporting the implementation of SHS, the Commission must also ensure the sustainability of HEIs.

Banaynal said that in order for the transition to succeed, other partner offices such as the Department of Education and the Department of Labor and Employment “must continue to work hand in hand and perform their respective programs.”