Getting an education is really important, but it can be hard for some people, especially those from coconut farming families. Luckily, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has set up the Coconut Scholarship Program to help these folks.
This program makes sure everyone has a fair chance at getting an education, even if they don’t have a lot of money. It’s not just about money, though. The program also helps coconut farming communities and the agriculture sector.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to apply for the Coconut Scholarship Program, making it easy for you to get the support you need.
Table of Contents
About CHED Coconut Scholarship or (COSCHO)
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is a governmental body in the Philippines responsible for overseeing and regulating the nation’s higher education system.
Established in 1994 under Republic Act No. 7722, also known as the Higher Education Act of 1994, CHED plays a central role in shaping the landscape of higher education in the country.
The CHED Scholarship Program for CHED Coconut Scholarship for Farmers operates under the legal framework of RA No. 11524, “The Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act.” This legislation provides the foundation for the program’s implementation and sets the stage for its objectives and guidelines.
The guidelines for implementing the scholarship program are outlined in the CHED-PCA Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, issued in 2023. These guidelines provide specific instructions and procedures for the selection and administration of scholarships.
Objectives:
The scholarship program aims to achieve several key objectives:
- Enhancing Social Equity:
By providing access to quality education for coconut farmers and their dependents, the scholarship program aims to promote social equity and contribute to poverty alleviation within coconut farming communities.
- Agricultural Development:
The scholarship program seeks to improve agricultural productivity and modernization within the coconut industry.
By equipping coconut farmers and their dependents with knowledge in agricultural technology and related fields, the program aims to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.
- Encouraging Youth Engagement:
Through education and training in courses identified by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), the scholarship program encourages the younger generation to participate in the agriculture sector.
By nurturing a new generation of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs in coconut farming, the program contributes to the long-term viability and growth of the industry.
The scholarship program is accessible to qualified and deserving coconut farmers and their families duly registered under the National Coconut Farmers Registry System.
It covers undergraduate students enrolled or intending to enroll in courses such as agriculture, agricultural engineering, agribusiness management, agricultural economics, and other disciplines identified by the PCA.
Eligibility:
Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial before applying for the CHED Coconut Scholarship for Farmers and their Families (COSCHO).
These requirements serve as the foundation for determining who can benefit from this valuable educational opportunity.
Let’s dive into the qualifications applicants need to meet to be considered for this scholarship.
- Filipino Citizenship: Applicants must be Filipino citizens to qualify for the scholarship program.
- Academic Qualifications:
- Graduating High School Students/High School Graduates: Must have a general weighted average grade (GWA) of 80% or its equivalent.
- College Students: Must have earned academic units relevant to the degree programs identified by the PCA with a GWA of 80% the previous semester or its equivalent.
- Entry Level Requirements: Applicants must pass the entry level requirements of identified State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).
- Non-Recipients of Government-Funded Financial Assistance: Applicants should not be recipients of any government-funded financial assistance program to be eligible for this scholarship.
- Registration in the NCFRS: Applicants must be duly registered coconut farmers in the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS) or their dependents.
- Income Limit: Applicants must have a combined annual gross income of parents not exceeding ₱300,000.00.
Priority Courses:
Below are the CHED CosCho Priority Courses categorized into different fields:
a. Agriculture and Related Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
(Specializations: Plant Physiology and Agronomy, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Plant Breeding, Soil Science, Horticulture) - Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness / Agribusiness Management
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Chemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Extension Education
b. Biological, Environmental, and Food Sciences
Biology Fields
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Environmental Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Fisheries and Food Fields
- Bachelor of Science in Fisheries
- Bachelor of Science in Food Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Forestry
c. Business, Engineering, and Social Sciences
Business and Development Fields
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Development Management
- Bachelor of Science in Development Communication
- Bachelor of Science in Economics
Engineering Fields
- Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering / Manufacturing Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Social Sciences and Public Service Fields
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Public Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Rural Development
- Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Other Fields
- Bachelor of Science in Physics
- Bachelor of Science in Statistics
- Bachelor of Science in Tourism
Application Process:
Understanding how to apply is crucial for coconut farmers interested in pursuing educational opportunities. Let’s guide you through the simple steps to secure your scholarship.
Requirements:
Ensuring a smooth application process for the CHED Coconut Scholarship for Farmers and their Families Program involves understanding the necessary documentary requirements.
These essential documents validate an applicant’s eligibility and support their candidacy for this educational opportunity.
Let’s explore the concise list of documents required to complete the application successfully.
- Birth Certificate: Issued by the Local Civil Registry or Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
- Academic Documents:
- For Senior High School Students: Duly certified copy of grades for Grade 11 and the first semester of Grade 12.
- For Senior High School Graduates: Form 138.
- For College Applicants: Duly Certified Copy of Grades for the latest semester/term attended.
- Photocopy of Valid ID: Government-issued ID or school ID.
- PCA Certification: Issued by PCA Regional Office (PCA-RO) to NCFRS registered coconut farmers/farmworkers upon endorsement of the PCA Provincial Office and/or Local Coconut Industry Development Councils (LCIDCs), small coconut farmers organizations, federations, and cooperatives. Note: Only one family member allowed to apply for the scholarship.
- Certificate of Good Moral Character: From the last school attended.
- Proof of Income: Any of the following:
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of applicant and/spouse/parents/guardians if employed.
- Certificate of Tax Exemption from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
- Certificate of No Income from BIR.
- Certificate of Indigency from their Barangay.
- Certificate/Case Study from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
- Notice of Admission: From the Higher Education Institution (HEI) with collegiate degree offerings.
- Proof of Special Group Membership (if applicable).
- Original Barangay Certification: Confirming that parents/guardians and siblings have never attended college/university (if applicable).
Application Deadlines:
The deadline for the Coconut Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and their Families (CoScho) for AY 2023-2024 has already passed.
However, it’s important to stay informed about any future announcements regarding the program’s resumption for the academic year 2024-2025.
How to Apply?
- STUDENT APPLICATION
- Scan the documentary requirements clearly.
- Prepares the complete documentary requirements.
- Submits application and documents ONLINE to your respective CHED Regional Office.
| CHED Regional Office | Region |
| CHEDRO I | Ilocos Region |
| CHEDRO II | Cagayan Valley |
| CHEDRO III | Central Luzon |
| CHEDRO IV | Calabarzon |
| CHEDRO V | Bicol Region |
| CHEDRO VI | Western Visayas |
| CHEDRO VII | Central Visayas |
| CHEDRO VIII | Eastern Visayas |
| CHEDRO IX | Zamboanga Peninsula |
| CHEDRO X | |
| CHEDRO XI | Davao Region |
| CHEDRO XII | |
| CHEDRO IX – BARMM | Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao |
| CHEDRO X – BARMM | Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao |
| CHEDRO XII – BARMM | Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao |
| CARAGA | CARAGA Region |
| MIMAROPA | MIMAROPA Region |
- CHED REGIONAL OFFICE
- Accepts and evaluates the applications, and ranks the qualified applicants.
- OSDS (Office of Student Development Services)
- Validates the rank list and approves the list of qualified beneficiaries, issuing corresponding award numbers.
By following these steps and sending your application to the appropriate CHED Regional Office, you can start applying for the Coconut Scholarship Program.
Programs and Scholarship Benefits of the CHED Coconut Scholarship:
The scholarship program provides comprehensive assistance, including coverage for tuition and other school fees (TOSF), stipends distributed directly to scholars or through educational institutions, and allowances for books and connectivity.
Here’s a breakdown of the financial support available to students enrolled in private HEIs and those under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), offered annually and per semester:
REGULAR ALLOWANCES
| ALLOWANCE TYPE | COST PER SEMESTER | COST PER ACADEMIC YEAR |
| a. Stipend | Php 35,000.00 | Php 70,000.00 |
| b. Book allowance and other learning materials | Php 5,000.00 | Php 10,000.00 |
| TOTAL | Php 80,000.00 | |
OTHER ALLOWANCES
| ALLOWANCE TYPE | TOTAL COST PER ACADEMIC YEAR |
| a. Thesis and/or OJT allowance | Php 75,000.00 |
| b. One-time attendance in local conference/fora | Php 10,000.00 |
| c. One-time financial assistance for the purchase of a laptop | Php 30,000.00 |
| TOTAL | Php 115,000.00 |
| GRAND TOTAL | Php 195,000.00 |
RETURN SERVICE:
One (1) year per year of scholarship in the Philippines is required within two (2) years after graduation prioritizing:
- Government agencies directly working with the coconut industry.
- Other government agencies.
- Private entities related to the Philippine Coconut Industry.
This service obligation is a requirement of the Coconut Scholarship Program and must be fulfilled by scholarship recipients upon completion of their studies.
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Contact Details:
For inquiries or further information, please do not hesitate to contact your respective CHED Regional Office.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, the CHED Coconut Scholarship Program offers a valuable opportunity for coconut farmers and their families to obtain quality education and uplift their communities.
With CHED’s commitment and support, applicants are empowered to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the advancement of the agriculture sector.
Recognizing the significance of this scholarship and CHED’s dedication to equitable education, applying for the program marks the beginning of a promising educational journey.
To all applicants, seize this opportunity, embrace the possibilities, and set forth on a journey towards academic and personal growth.
Notice: Information Disclaimer
The PhilScholar website does not offer scholarship programs or engage in hiring activities. It serves solely as an informational platform providing details on scholarships and grants available for educational purposes.
While the PhilScholar website does not directly facilitate applications, users can find guides and informational articles related to admissions and scholarship application processes.
However, users are advised to meticulously examine the credibility of the content provided.
All information presented on this platform is intended for informational purposes only.
Users are encouraged to verify any details independently before making decisions based on the content provided.
For additional verification or inquiries, references are provided at the end of the content section.
References:
- Commission on Higher Education. (n.d.). CHED Certificate of Program Compliance (CoPC). Retrieved from [https://ched.gov.ph/coscho/](https://ched.gov.ph/coscho/)
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