The Department of Education (DepEd) has increased subsidies for technical-professional (TechPro) training of qualified Grade 12 public school students to as much as P18,450 per learner, replacing the previous flat rate of P12,000 under its Joint Delivery Voucher Program (JDVP).
The new rates, which take effect in School Year 2026–2027, vary according to the cost of specific training courses and are intended to address shortages in equipment, facilities, and qualified instructors in public senior high schools.
The increase was made possible through additional funding from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) following a request from DepEd.
Under the revised subsidy structure, students taking Information and Communications Technology (ICT) electives, including ICT support and computer programming, can receive up to P18,450, representing an increase of P6,450, or 53.75%, from the previous rate.
Students enrolled in Agri-Fishery Arts (AFA) courses, including agri-fishery business and food innovation, are eligible for up to P17,450.
Those pursuing Home Economics (HE) courses covering wellness, human care, creative enterprise, hospitality, and tourism can receive up to P16,450, while Industrial Arts (IA) students specializing in automotive, small engine, construction, and industrial technologies are eligible for up to P15,450.
The subsidies are available to qualified students under the Strengthened Senior High School curriculum, as well as the remaining batch of Grade 12 learners under the 2016 K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum.
The program targets students whose public schools lack the necessary workshop equipment, specialized training facilities, or qualified TechPro instructors.
Through the JDVP, participating students undergo practical training at accredited Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs) and may take the National Certification Level II (NC II) assessment after completing their courses.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) shoulders the certification assessment fees, while DepEd pays participating training institutions directly to avoid out-of-pocket administrative expenses for students.
“Every TechPro learner deserves access to real-world tools, modern equipment, and industry-standard training,” DepEd secretary Sonny Angara said.
“By increasing our JDVP rates, we are opening bigger opportunities for our Grade 12 learners under our Strengthened Senior High School curriculum to gain job-ready skills without financial barriers,” Angara added.
The revised JDVP rates follow a separate government decision to increase tuition subsidies under the Educational Service Contracting (ESC) program for incoming Grade 7 students enrolled in participating private schools.
Beginning School Year 2027–2028, annual ESC subsidies in Metro Manila will increase from P13,000 to P17,500, while grants in highly urbanized cities outside the National Capital Region will rise from P11,000 to P14,500.
In other regions, subsidies will increase from P9,000 to P12,000. The grants will cover up to 50% of mandatory school fees.
The ESC adjustment, approved by the State Assistance Council, is the program’s first subsidy rate increase since 2017.
“We are building stronger bridges between public schools, private institutions, Technical-Vocational Institutions, and industry training centers,” Angara emphasized.
“Whether through our private school grants or expanded technical professional partnerships, our mission remains clear: empower every young Filipino with accessible, quality education that leads directly to meaningful opportunities.”
