Further Amendments to CHED Memorandum Order No. 3, Series of 2016 as Amended by CMO No. 36, s. 2016: "Guidelines on Scholarships for Graduate Studies — Local for Higher Education Institution (HEI) Teaching and Non-Teaching Personnel under the K to 12 Transition Program"

February 8, 2017

CHED MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 004-17

 

In accordance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 7722 of the Higher Education Act of 1994, the Commission on Higher Education released CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 3, series of 2016, amended by CMO No. 36, s. 2016, entitled Guidelines on Graduate Education Scholarships for Faculty and Staff Development in the K to 12 Transition Period. In line with the Commission's continued efforts to refine, nuance, and increase the responsiveness of its policies, CMO No. 36, s. 2016, is hereby amended as follows:

SECTION 1. CHED Memorandum Order No. 3, series of 2016, as amended by CMO No. 36, series of 2016 shall hereinafter be referred to as "Guidelines on Scholarships for Graduate Studies — Local for Higher Education Institution (HEI) Teaching and Non-Teaching Personnel Under the K to 12 Transition Program".

SECTION 2. The whereas clause is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 7722, which states that it is the responsibility of the State to (1) protect, foster and promote the right of all citizens to affordable quality education at all levels, and (2) take appropriate steps to ensure that education shall be accessible to all; and which mandates the Commission to (1) formulate and recommend development plans, policies, priorities, and programs on higher education and research, and (2) identify, support and develop potential centers of excellence in program areas needed for the development of world-class scholarship, nation building and national development, the "Guidelines for Scholarships for Graduate Studies — Local for Higher Education Institution (HEI) Teaching and Non-Teaching Personnel under Transition Program" are hereby adopted and promulgated by the Commission, for the guidance of all higher education institutions (HEIs):"

SECTION 3. Article I, Sections 4 and 5 of CMO No. 36, s. 2016 is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Article I

Statements of Principles and Policies

xxx xxx xxx

4. The transition to the K to 12 system will result in low enrollment in HEIs for a period of five years, from SY 2016-2017 to SY 2020-2021, reducing the teaching loads of HEI teaching and non-teaching personnel, likewise leading to reduced income, or threats of displacement, promoting the State to pursue preventive measures for the possible negative effects as stated. CAIHTE

4A. Further, that the transition to the K to 12 system effectively eliminates the usual constraints to the completion of further studies, namely, heavy teaching loads, being recalled by their sending institutions, and low stipend rates and prompting the State to leverage this opportunity to make an even greater investment in faculty development.

5. In view of strengthening higher education, the Commission hereby establishes the Guidelines on Scholarships for Graduate Studies — Local for HEI Teaching and Non-teaching personnel under the K to 12 Transition Program. The implementing guidelines herein set forth shall define the procedures, priorities, and regulation of scholarships to teaching and non-teaching personnel nominated by their respective HEIs beginning in the K to 12 Transition Period.

SECTION 4. A new Article I.A shall be inserted after Article I of CMO No. 36, s. 2016, which shall read as follows:

"Article I.A

Definition of Terms

In these Guidelines, the following definitions shall be used for the terms listed:

1. Bridging course refers to a pre-requisite course, which DHEIs may require from scholars who have been admitted to a degree program, which intends to update the knowledge and skills required for said degree program.

2. CHED-approved Program refers to the specific program under a DHEI, which has been approved by the Commission to accommodate CHED scholars.

3. Deferment refers to the postponement of availing scholarship privileges a personnel after nomination approval.

4. Delivering HEI (DHEI) refers to an HEI approved to deliver graduate programs for grantees under the Scholarships for Graduate Studies of the K to 12 Transition Program, authorized under CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 4, series of 2016, as amended by CMO No. 2, s. 2017.

5. Deloaded HEI personnel refers to a higher education personnel, whether teaching or non-teaching, who is retained as an employee in the HEI but received reduced or no workload due to the implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Program.

6. Leave of Absence (LOA) refers to the study leave requested from the DHEI by the scholar while the scholarship is in force.

7. Non-teaching Personnel refers to HEI personnel undertaking the following functions:

a. Occupying supervisory positions involved in the Implementation of the policies of the HEI;

b. Perform certain prescribed academic functions directly supportive of teaching, such as registrars, librarians, guidance counselors, researchers and others performing similar functions including institution officials responsible for academic matters and affairs; and

c. Rank-and-file employees of the HEI engaged in administrative functions and maintenance of the institution.

8. Provisional Notice of Award refers to the written communication so titled, issued by the Commission to the Scholar, requiring, among others, the fulfillment of post-award requirements in order to be entitled to the Grant that he/she has applied for under the K to 12 Transition Program.

9. Qualifying courses or remedial courses refers to the set of courses, which DHEIs may require from scholars who have NOT been admitted to the program, or whose admission is dependent on or contingent on the passing of those courses.

10. Return Service refers to the service to be rendered by the Scholar as part of Scholar's obligations under the grant after undertaking the scholarship. Under this return service obligation, the Scholar is required to work in his or her Sending HEI equivalent to a 1:1 ratio, with one year of return service for every year of privilege or any fraction thereof, immediately after the scholarship.

11. Sending Higher Education Institution (SHEI) refers to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) which nominate their personnel for the Scholarships for Graduate Studies — Local under the K to 12 Transition Program.

12. Teaching personnel refers to HEI personnel who are formally engaged in actual teaching or in research assignments, either on full-time or part-time basis.

13. Withdrawal refers to a total non-acceptance or discontinuation of the scholarship privileges provisionally or officially awarded."

SECTION 5. Article II of CMO No. 36, s. 2016 is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Article II

Support for Faculty Development

Sending HEIs (SHEIs) may nominate their qualified teaching or non-teaching personnel for any of the following types of scholarships from the Commission.

1. Full Scholarship for Doctoral Degree. The Commission offers support for personnel pursuing doctoral degree, whether for new programs or for those completing the program coursework in a Philippine HEI.

2. Full Scholarship for Master's Degree. The Commission offers support for personnel pursuing a master's degree, whether for new programs or for those completing the program coursework, in a Philippine HEI.

3. Thesis or Dissertation Grant. The Commission offers support for personnel with completed master's or doctoral program coursework and are on the Thesis/Dissertation writing stage, and thus do not require full scholarship for the completion of their respective degrees.

4. (Repealed)

5. (Repealed)

Programs may include transnational programs, as proposed by the DHEI, and approved by the Commission."

SECTION 6. Article III of CMO No. 36, s. 2016 is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Article III

Criteria for Nomination

A. Eligibility of Nominees

SHEIs may nominate their teaching or non-teaching personnel for the scholarship, provided that the nominee:

1. Is a Filipino citizen not more than 52 years old for the Master's degree program, or not more than 50 years old for the Doctorate degree program; or not more than 60 years old for the Thesis/Dissertation Grant;

Exceptions may be considered by the Commission, depending on the particular nature of the discipline and the justification provided by the SHEI, and as approved by the Commission En Banc.

2A. Has graduated and possesses a degree relevant to his/her nomination, from a CHED-recognized program from a recognized institution.

2. For personnel applying for FULL SCHOLARSHIP, whether new or ongoing, shall pursue graduate studies in a CHED-approved program offered by a DHEI.

For personnel applying for the THESIS or DISSERTATION GRANT program status, shall finish their degree in their institution in which the coursework has been completed, provided that this is under a CHED-recognized program. HEITAD

3. Shall pursue a course that is aligned with his/her teaching specialization, or justified in terms of alignment to the SHEI's strategic direction/goals, contribution to the discipline, or contribution to regional and national goals.

4. Is in good health and of good moral character.

5. Demonstrates strong academic record.

6. Must not have been convicted for violation of any Philippine Law.

7. Will fulfill all the Terms and Conditions of the scholarship, including the return, service obligation as agreed with his/her respective SHEI, consistent with the guidelines set by the Commission.

8. Must be fully or partially deloaded at the time of the scholarship, with a maximum teaching load of six (6) units for teaching personnel, or an equivalent of ten (10) hours of workload per week for non-teaching personnel.

9. For avoidance of doubt, those who are classified as both teaching and non-teaching personnel, the maximum shall not exceed either of the two conditions as specified in this provision.

B. Justification for Nomination

Consistent with the principle of academic freedom, the SHEI may nominate personnel in disciplines they deem important (Refer to Appendix 1: Identified Priority Areas of CMO No. 3, s. 2016), and may justify such nominations individually and according to one or more of the following:

1. x x x

2. x x x

3. x x x"

SECTION 7. Article IV of CMO No. 36, s. 2016 is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Article IV

Qualifying and Selection Process

1. An SHEI shall nominate its teaching and non-teaching personnel by the submission of the institutional and individual documentary requirements. The Commission may require that these requirements be submitted through an online portal, or through other mechanisms as required by the Commission depending on the nature of the requirement.

The Commission shall release regular advisories, announcements, or guidelines, when needed. (Refer to Appendix 3: Checklist of Application Requirements)

1A For personnel applying for FULL SCHOLARSHIPS GRANTS, nominations may be made prior to the personnel's admission to a CHED-approved program offered by a DHEI. As such, nominated personnel are encouraged to apply to their prospective program in parallel to the evaluation process for the scholarship grant.

2.  Nominations shall be evaluated by the Technical Working Group for Scholarships and Professional Advancement sitting as the National Screening Committee. Vetting and selection of nominees shall be based on the strength of the nomination of the SHEI, how these justifications compare to those of other SHEI nominations, and how these tie in with the academic, professional, and development priorities and needs of the relevant region and of the country. (Refer to Appendix 4: Evaluation Criteria of CMO 3, s. 2016; Appendix 4A: Operationalization of Evaluation Criteria)

Further, the Commission shall endeavor proportional distribution of individual scholarship slots between public and private HEIs, taking into consideration: (1) regional representation, and (2) estimated demand based on actual information on enrollment and number of affected personnel during the previous semester. Provided, that the Commission may redistribute said allocations if not otherwise availed by qualified scholars.

3. The Commission En Banc (CEB) shall approve SHEI nominations based on recommendations of the National Screening Committee. (Refer to Appendix 5: Procedure Flowchart)

3A. The Commission shall send a Provisional Notice of Award (PNOA) to the SHEI, certifying that its nominees have been approved and may thus enroll in a CHED-approved program offered by a DHEI, or CHED-recognized programs for Thesis/Dissertation Grantees.

In certain cases, conditional approval may be awarded, with the following notes:

a. Align degree program to teaching discipline/designation. Approved nominees must select a degree and/or indicate an area of specialization aligned to the teaching discipline, regional/national development and/or SHEI's strategic direction. The request to change the degree through the following process:

i. The approved nominee shall submit a request for approval of the new prospective program to the Commission.

ii. The Commission shall review the scholar's request for approval and provide a decision within fifteen (15) working days.

iii. The scholar must enroll in the newly approved program.

b. Redirect DHEI. Approved nominees must select and seek admission to a CHED-approved DHEI according to the approved program, as specified in the PNOA. The approved nominee does not need to seek approval from the Commission to change his/her DHEI, as long as it is a CHED-approved DHEI.

c. Align Degree, Redirect DHEI. Approved nominees must select a degree according to the conditions set both in Sections 3a and 3b. ATICcS

3B. Upon the approved nominee's submission and confirmation of the relevant documentary requirements, the Commission shall facilitate the disbursal of funds to each individual grantee. (Refer to Article VI, Section C)

4. (Repealed)"

SECTION 8. Article V of CMO No. 36, s. 2016 is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Article V

Privileges and Incentives

Scholars approved for Full Scholarships shall receive a scholarship package consisting of the following (Refer to Appendix 6: Scholarship Privilege):

1. Tuition and other fees,

2. Living allowance,

3. Book allowance,

4. Transportation allowance (for scholars studying outside of their province),

5. Thesis, dissertation, or capstone project allowance, and

6. Group insurance.1

Thesis/dissertation grantees, on the other hand, shall be entitled to the thesis/dissertation allowance, living allowance, transportation allowance, and group insurance. Further, scholars enrolled in CHED-approved programs under DHEIs shall also be able to receive the tuition and other fees privilege.

The thesis, dissertation, or special/capstone project allowance aims to support the grantee during or in support of the completion of the thesis, dissertation or special/capstone project. The process for disbursement of the grant amounts is provided in the table below:

	Component	1st Tranche (80%)	2nd Tranche (20%)
1	Master's thesis or	Upon submission to CHED of	Upon submission to CHED of
	doctoral dissertation	the Certificate of Approval for	one (1) hard bound copy and
		the thesis/dissertation	an electronic copy in a
		proposal duly signed by the	CD-Drive copy of the approved
		Dean of the College or the	thesis/dissertation, and the
		President of the DHEI.	Certificate of Approval for the
			final thesis/dissertation.
2	Special/Capstone	Upon submission to CHED of	Upon submission to CHED of
	Project	the Certificate of Approval for	one (1) hard bound copy and
		the special/capstone project	an electronic copy in a CD
		duly signed by the Dean of the	Drive copy of the approved
		College of the President of the	project documentation, and the
		DHEI.	Certificate of Approval for the
			final project documentation.

The Commission shall update the scholarship amount regularly, benchmarking with other scholarship-granting bodies and adjusting for inflation, as needed.

In addition to the above-mentioned privileges, CHED shall provide scholars with access to online journals, when available. Further, scholars shall be entitled to an early completion incentive for scholars who obtain their respective degrees at least one regular term (i.e., semester, trimester, quarter) ahead of the approved plan of study shall be entitled to a cash incentive equivalent to the total remaining allowance for the scholarship period."

SECTION 9. Article VI of CMO No. 36, s. 2016 is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Article VI

Terms and Conditions

A. General

1. Scholars officially enrolled and with executed scholarship contracts and have complied with all necessary documentary requirements shall be entitled to receive financial benefits and privileges as herein stipulated. The Commission shall endeavor to create mechanisms for the timely disbursal of the allowances.

2. Scholars for local master's or doctoral degrees shall enroll in at least nine (9) units study load per term except during the last term, or as indicated in the plan of study submitted.

3. Scholars must enroll in the degree program, as approved by the Commission, of an allied program under the same discipline/specialization, and may not change the degree program or DHEI once enrolled, and while the grant contract is in force.

3A. The Commission will only allow a change in degree program prior to the commencement of the scholarship agreement between the scholar, SHEI and the Commission.

4. x x x

5. Generally, scholars are required to finish the degree within two (2) years for master's and three (3) years for doctoral degree, with a maximum of four (4) years allowed for the latter for the purpose of further dissertation research. Meanwhile, scholars awarded a Thesis/Dissertation grant are required to finish one (1) year. However, exceptions may be allowed by the Commission based on the approved plan of study of the scholar. The time limit shall be adjusted accordingly for scholars who avail of the grant for ongoing master's or doctoral degrees according to the units of coursework and/or amount of research still to be undertaken.

6. The privileges of the scholarship shall be defined by the plan of study, which include the Bridging Course/s but shall not include Qualifying Subjects. The scholarship privileges shall be governed be the following:

a. Entitlement to scholarship privileges shall commence on the first month of the grantee's academic term in accordance with his/her approved study plan, which includes the bridging course/s, if applicable. TIADCc

b. Further, scholars under full scholarships shall continue to receive their living allowances even while on official school break (e.g., summer or mid-year break), provided that the scholarship agreement is still in force and any one (1) of the following has been submitted to the Commission:

1. Enrollment form for the summer term and grades from the previous term

2. Certification from the DHEI on the summer class enrollment, research or any relevant activity of the scholar for the degree program being taken

3. Certification from the SHEI on the summer term work, research or any relevant activity with the SHEI

c. Scholars may avail of the tuition privilege of a particular subject only once. The Commission will not shoulder any subject being retaken or re-enrolled.

d. The tuition and fees for complementary or extra subjects outside the curriculum of the degree program will be shouldered by the scholar.

e. Approved nominees shall shoulder the tuition and fees for applicable subjects of qualifying or remedial courses, as recommended by the DHEI. The approved nominees will be entitled to the scholarship privileges when officially admitted to the approved degree program.

7. Approved nominees who undertook a qualifying course/s but did not meet the academic requirement of the DHEI may choose to transfer to another CHED-approved DHEI prior to the start of the DHEI where the nominee intends to transfer, or may request for deferment for the term approved for graduate studies.

8. Scholars must adhere to the academic standards of the DHEI. In line with this, scholars must ensure that all course requirements for all subjects taken have been complied with at the end of each term, in order to continuously receive the allowances and other privileges of the scholarship. Scholars with grades marked as incomplete or its equivalent, in any course taken during the term must comply with the course requirement immediately in order to continuously receive the allowances.

Exceptions to this rule may only be granted for meritorious cases, or when the course itself requires the scholar to be on incomplete status or equivalent, as certified by the DHEI through the GMO.

9. Scholars must follow the plan of study advised by the DHEI. If any of the required subjects has been voluntarily dropped by the scholar after enrollment or beyond the allowable period for dropping subjects by the DHEI, the scholar shall shoulder the tuition and fee costs of the dropped subject/s upon retake. The scholar must ensure that the timeline of study to complete the degree program must remain the same.

10. Scholars may cross-register in other CHED-approved programs offered by a DHEI provided that this is a recommendation of the DHEI'S GMO, subject to the approval of the SHEI, the DHEI, and the Commission, provided that this is done in a timely manner. To make a request, the scholars must submit the following:

a. Official written request,

b. Certificate of clearance from the DHEI, and

c. Certificate of approval from the SHEI.

11. The disbursal of the allowances shall be in tranches on a per academic term basis, following the submission of the relevant documentary requirements.

12. Scholars must adhere to excellent standards of scholarship.

13. Scholars must seek approval from the Commission, in cases of (1) leave of absence, (2) deferment or withdrawal, (3) requests for travel clearance, and (4) other requests of similar nature.

14. Scholars must seek written clearance from the Commission two (2) weeks before leaving the country while the scholarship contract is in force, including the period for the return service obligation. To make a request, the scholars must submit the following:

a. Official written request,

b. Certificate of clearance from the DHEI,

c. Certificate of approval from the SHEI,

d. Copy of travel tickets, and

e. Copy of conference invitations, and other documentation (if applicable).

15. Scholars, the SHEI and the DHEI must maintain up-to-date profiles and supply all other information required by the Commission, whether on the CHED Online Portal or otherwise, when required.

B. Counterpart and Bridge Funding

1. SHEIs shall have discretion in the determination of the leave mechanism that will be applicable to the scholar during the period of the grant (i.e., study leave with pay), consistent with the SHEIs' respective personnel development plans and/or the provisions of their collective bargaining/negotiation agreements, as the case may be, and relevant laws, rules and regulations. AIDSTE

1A. . To this end, SHEIs pursuant to its management prerogative, may work out an internal arrangement with the scholars in which the faculty is not on LOA, which may include gratuitous allowances from the SHEI, for as long as said internal arrangements are compliant with the existing laws, rules and regulations and the scholars are able to entirely comply with the Terms and Conditions of the scholarship.

1B. For SUCs and LUCs, the same may implement a study leave with pay mechanism for their scholars or other arrangements in accordance with their respective personnel development plans, as approved by their governing boards, and pursuant to relevant Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

1C. For the avoidance of doubt, the K to 12 Transition Program, particularly the Scholarships for Graduate Studies, was intended to support both the scholars, through the provision of increased opportunities for advancement and of supports to mitigate the possibility of displacement, and the institution, to ensure its sustainability during this challenging period of transition, and is in no way, designed to provide advantage to one party to the detriment of the other (i.e., scholars receiving unusually high amounts of compensation, benefits and grant amounts combined during the scholarship period to the disadvantage of their SHEIs; or SHEls forcing their scholars to pay for salaries of their substitutes).

This is in accordance with the overall thrust of the Commission that in the implementation of the scholarship grant as a mitigation strategy during the transition period, the rights of labor as provided by the Constitution, the Civil Service Rules and Regulations, Labor Code of the Philippines and existing collective agreements, as well as the prerogative management, shall be respected.

2. Compensation for teaching/work load in the SHEI. Scholars may teach or work in his/her respective SHEI during the scholarship period, provided that the minimum eligibility requirement of six (6) units maximum teaching load or ten (10) hours of work per week for non-teaching staff is maintained. These scholars shall be compensated accordingly by their SHEI.

3. x x x

C. Required Submissions

Each scholar will be required to make the periodic submissions to the Commission for the duration of the scholarship. The Commission may require that these requirements be submitted through an online portal, or through other mechanisms as required by the Commission depending on the nature of the requirement.

The Commission shall release regular advisories, announcements, or guidelines, when needed. Any deviation from the instructions in the advisory shall mean a delay in release of allowances. Priority shall be given to those who follow instructions according to the guidelines set by the Commission. (Refer to Appendix 7: Requirements after the Approval of Nominations)

D. Leave of Absence (LOA), Deferment or Withdrawal

1. A scholar will not be allowed to be on LOA, defer enrollment, or withdraw from the scholarship except for the following reasons:

a. Poor health of grantee, to be certified by a licensed physician;

b. Maternity Leave of Absence (LOA) of the grantee;

c. Other meritorious reason acceptable to the SHEI, the DHEI, and the Commission.

In addition, a scholar may also be allowed to defer should he/she fail to secure admission to a CHED-approved program, provided that the request for deferment follows the protocols as provided for in this section.

2. For cases of deferment, the scholar must submit a formal request to the Commission prior to the enrollment period of the prospective DHEI for the term approved by the Commission, by the deadline set by the Commission. The deferment may be requested through the following process:

a. The scholar shall secure written approval from his/her SHEI.

b. The scholar shall submit a written request detailing the reasons for and other pertinent details regarding the request, attaching the endorsement from his/her SHEI, and any relevant documentary attachments (e.g., medical certificate, etc.)

c. The Commission shall review the scholar's request for deferment and provide feedback within fifteen (15) working days from receipt of the request.

d. Once approved, the decision is irrevocable.

Scholars who fail to inform the Commission of their request for deferment during the period set for finalizing the status of scholars shall be considered withdrawn.

2A. For cases for leave of absence, or withdrawal, the scholar must submit a formal request to the Commission. The process for securing approval for deferment shall also apply, provided that the scholar shall secure written approval from his/her DHEI in addition to securing such from the SHEI. This shall also be attached to the written request.

2B. Scholars who have been approved for leave or deferment for the terms indicated shall not receive the scholarship privileges of the said term. In cases where the privileges had previously been disbursed, the accumulated amount of received allowances shall be deducted from the scholar's entitlements in the succeeding term. AaCTcI

3. The scholar shall inform the Commission of their deferment or withdrawal in a timely manner. Potential nominees and their HEIs are urged to take into account all factors that may affect their ability to finish their studies, if possible, before nomination, in order to avoid any complications.

4. For cases of LOA, the scholarship shall be deemed terminated should the scholar not re-enroll after deferment of one (1) academic year or after two semesters and one (1) summer.

For deferment, the scholarship shall be terminated if the scholar does not enroll in the next academic term.

E. Reentry Plan and Return Service Obligation

1. x x x

2. x x x

3. x x x

4. The scholar shall be obliged to render return service according to agreement with the SHEI, provided that it follows at least a 1:1 ratio, i.e., one year of service for every year of the scholarship, or a fraction thereof of availment of the scholarship grant and its privileges.

4A. In cases where the SHEI policy on return service for privileges is more than 1:1, the Commission encourages the provision of additional privileges or the openness to abide by the minimum set by the Commission, in light of the unique challenges of the transition period.

5. x x x

6. In the computation of service rendered, for Grantees from SUCs and LUCs, there will be no break in their period of government service rendered while the grant contract is in force, in accordance with existing CSC rules and regulations on leave. For Grantees from private HEIs, the counting of years of services rendered shall be based on the internal policies of the HEI and subject to existing labor laws, rules and regulations.

7. For special cases, the Commission may impose rules and regulations pertinent to return service by the scholar under the Scholarships for Graduate Studies, including in the case of failure to complete the required courses.

F. Termination of Scholarship

The Commission has the right to terminate the scholarship, under any of the following circumstances:

1. x x x

2. x x x

3. x x x

4. x x x

5. x x x

6. The grantee fails to abide by the conditions of his/her LOA or deferment, if applicable:

7. x x x

8. Other justifiable grounds which prove the inability of the grantee to complete his/her degree (e.g., poor health of grantee as certified by a licensed physician, etc.);

8A. The DHEI or SHEI recommends termination for just causes, following proper and due process;

9. x x x

10. Any act of the scholar which is not representative of the proper decorum becoming of a member of the academe, such as immorality, drunkenness, dishonesty, foul language, gross disrespect, unprofessionalism, and any other forms of misconduct;

11. x x x

12. x x x

G. Payment of Obligations

1. x x x

2. x x x

3. The payment of obligations may be waived due to serious health reasons, provided proper documentation is provided (e.g., medical certificate) duly endorsed by the SHEI is submitted to the DHEI and the Commission.

4. The payment of obligation shall be the responsibility of the scholar and the SHEI. The terms for the payment of obligation shall be evaluated and decided upon by the Commission, which shall be communicated to the scholar and SHEI in writing.

In cases where the termination of the scholarship is due to the SHEI's non-compliance of any of the terms and conditions, set forth by this policy and other mutual agreements, the payment of obligation shall be the responsibility of the SHEI.

5. x x x

H. Waiver of Accountabilities

xxx xxx xxx"

SECTION 10. Article VIA shall be inserted after Article VI of CMO No. 36, s. 2016 and shall read as follows:

Article VIA

Duties of the CHED Regional Offices

In support of the Scholarships for Graduate Studies — Local under the K to 12 Transition Program, the Regional K to 12 Transition Program Management Unit shall implement this grant, regularly monitor the same and ensure strict compliance with the provisions of these guidelines in their respective regions, as follows: EcTCAD

1. Dissemination to and discussion of these guidelines with HEI personnel;

2. Receipt and acknowledgment of hard copy submissions;

3. Assistance to HEI personnel in the online applications and the provision of other related technical assistance to potential applicants;

4. Briefing and information-sharing with teacher organizations and other local and regional stakeholders;

5. Aid in the tracking and accounting of Grantees in their respective regions for proper monitoring;

6. Supporting the CHED Central Office in gathering of data and information in relation to the HEI personnel in support of policy formulation, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation;

7. Provision of support to the K to 12 Transition Program Unit at the Central Office in the implementation of the grant;

8. Regular monitoring, analysis and evaluation of the implementation of the grants;

9. Preparation of monitoring, analysis and evaluation reports as needed;

10. Such other analogous undertakings as may be deemed necessary by the Commission to ensure successful implementation of the grants."

SECTION 11. Article VII of CMO No. 36, s. 2016 is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Article VII

Transitory Provision and Harmonization of Scholarship Privileges

The first intake of scholars under this Order shall be in the first semester of AY 2016-2017. As such, all nominations from prospective scholars before this period, i.e., the second semester of AY 2015-2016, while coursed through the K to 12 Transition Program Management Unit, shall be subject to the application and evaluation processes under the CHED-Faculty Development Program Phase II (FDP II), as set forth in CHED Memorandum Order No. 26 series of 2009. Further, only applicants that have received admission to current CHED-FDP II delivering HEIs shall be processed.

Scholars awarded under CMO No. 3, s. 2016, as amended by CMO No. 36, s. 2016, prior to the issuance of these amendments, shall continue their scholarships according to the terms of their existing scholarship agreements, without prejudice to additional privileges that may be afforded to the scholars should other arrangements be necessary, which may include privileges for transnational programs, as approved.

The implementation of additional privileges for Thesis and Dissertation Grantees shall apply to SHEI nominees approved for A.Y. 2017-2018 onward.

SECTION 12. Appendix 2 of CMO No. 3, s. 2016 is hereby repealed.

SECTION 13. Appendix 3 of CMO No. 3, s. 2016 is hereby amended and shall now follow the format prescribed in Annex A of this CMO.

SECTION 14. A new Appendix 4A shall be inserted after Appendix 4 of CMO No. 3, s. 2016 following the format prescribed in Annex B of this CMO.

SECTION 15. Appendix 5 of CMO No. 3, s. 2016 is hereby amended and shall now follow the format prescribed in Annex C of this CMO.

SECTION 16. Appendix 6 of CMO No. 3, s. 2016 is hereby amended and shall now follow the format prescribed in Annex D of this CMO.

SECTION 17. A new Appendix 7 shall be inserted after Appendix 6 of CMO No. 3, s. 2016 following the format prescribed in Annex E of this CMO.

SECTION 18. Repealing Clause. — CMO Nos. 3 and 36, s. 2016 and all other CHED Memorandum Orders or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. All other provisions of CMO Nos. 3, and 36, s. 2016 that are not affected by this amendment shall remain valid and in force.

SECTION 19. Separability Clause. — If any part of this Order is declared unconstitutional or invalid, such parts or provisions thereof not so declared shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 20. Effectivity Clause. — This policy shall take effect immediately after its issuance. Immediate dissemination of and strict compliance with this Order is directed.

Issued this 08 of February, 2017 in Quezon City, Philippines.

(SGD.) PATRICIA B. LICUANAN, PH.D.Chairperson

ANNEX A

"Appendix 3: Checklist of Application Requirements

DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS	TO BE ACCOMPLISHED BY:
SHEI Nomination Form	SHEI Representative
		(i.e., President, Vice President for Academic
		Affairs or Dean)
Individual Justification for each nominated HEI	SHEI Representative
Personnel	(i.e., President, Vice President for Academic
		Affairs or Dean)
Nominee's Curriculum Vitae	Nominated HEI Personnel
(via Nominee's Account profile)
Clear copy of the following requirements of	Nominated HEI Personnel
nominees:
1	Proof of Citizenship (NSO Birth
	Certificate, Passport, etc.)
2	Medical Certificate
3	Transcript of Records (for
	undergraduate and postgraduate
	degree attained)
4	Draft of Return Service Agreement
	and Re-entry Plan

 

ANNEX B

"Appendix 4A: Operationalization of Evaluation Criteria

	Evaluation Criteria	Weights	Full Points
A.	Scholastic Record	20%	20
B.	Professional Experience	40%	40
C.	Potential Outcomes*	35%	35
D.	Strategic Direction of the SHEI	5%	5
	TOTAL	100%	100

 

*Justification must be focused on at least one of the following areas:

1) Importance and value to SHEI

2) Importance and value to the regional and national development

3) Importance and value to the discipline

ANNEX C

Appendix 5: Procedure Flowchart

 

ANNEX D

Appendix 6: Scholarship Privileges

	Master's and Thesis	Doctorate and
Grantees	Dissertation Grantees
1. Tuition and other Fees*	Actual tuition and other fees
2. Book Allowance**	Php10,000.00/academic year
3. Living Allowance	Php20,000.00/month	Php28,000.00/month
4. Living Allowance (for terms abroad for transnationalprograms)	Tier 1 Countries: Php40,000/month
Tier 2 Countries: Php60,000/month
Tier 3 Countries: Php80,000/month
5. Transportation Assistance (for those studying outside their province)	Php10,000.00/academic year
6. Thesis/Dissertation/Capstone project Allowance (if applicable)	Php50,000.00	Php100,000.00
7. Group Insurance***	Php 500.00/year
* Not provided to Thesis/Dissertation grantees enrolled in non-DHEIs
** Not provided to all Thesis/Dissertation grantees
*** Subject to availability
Tier 1 Countries: Southeast Asian countries except Singapore
Tier 2 Countries: Singapore, China, Eastern Europe, and all other countries not include in Tier 1 and Tier 3
Tier 3 Countries: United States of America, Japan, Australia, and Western Europe

ANNEX E

Appendix 7: Requirements after the Approval of Nominations

Submission Period	Documentary Requirement	Dependency
As attachments to the grant contract*   (Must be submitted together)	Provisional Notice of Award   Copy of enrollment form duly signed by the DHEI registrar   Certified True Copy of a Valid Government-Issued ID of the grantee and the HEI representative   If Thesis/Dissertation/Special or Capstone Project Grantee, Certificate of Approval for thesis/dissertation/special or capstone Project Proposal duly signed by the DHEI President or College Dean	Release of the first tranche of allowances
At the start of each semester	Copy of enrollment form duly signed by the DHEI registrar   Copy of grades duly signed by the DHEI registrar	Continuing release of allowances
For Continuing Scholars under Master's or Doctoral Programs, immediately after Approval of Thesis/Dissertation/Special or Capstone Project Proposal	Certificate of Approval for thesis/dissertation/special or capstone Project Proposal duly signed by the DHEI President or College Dean	First Tranche (80%) of Thesis/Dissertation Allowance
Immediately after Approval of the Thesis/Dissertation/Special or Capstone Final Paper	Bound copy of the approved thesis/dissertation/special or capstone project documentation   Certificate of Approval duly signed by the DHEI President or College Dean	Second Tranche (20%) of Thesis/Dissertation Allowance
After completion of the degree program	Final Re-Entry Action Plan and Return Service Agreement duly signed by the scholar and the SHEI Representative   Certified True Copy of Diploma and Transcript of Records (TOR) with School Dry Seal	Clearance from the Commission   Start of the Return Service
At the end of the Return Service	Certification of the rendered return service from the SHEI   Accomplishment Report of completed return service from the SHEI	Waiver of Accountabilities

Footnotes

1. Subject to availability.