The Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) program, established under the mandate of the Republic Act No. 8545 or the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Act, provides educational grants to deserving college freshmen pursuing technical-vocational education and training (TVET). The program aims to assist financially disadvantaged students, promote TVET, and develop a skilled workforce for in-demand jobs in the labor market.
Through this initiative, TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) also supports private institutions by maintaining a steady stream of enrollees in their course offerings. The PESFA program has been instrumental in preparing scholars for careers aligned with the country’s economic and industrial needs, offering equitable opportunities for education and employment.
Program Overview
The TESDA PESFA program was especially created to provide educational grants to deserving students pursuing TVET programs in the Philippines. It was established under Section 8 of RA8545, with the goal of supporting the development of a skilled and competent workforce. Since its inception, PESFA has been a pivotal initiative for bridging the gap between education and employment, especially among marginalized communities.
The program operates under RA 8545, emphasizing equitable access to TVET opportunities for Filipino students from low-income families. Its objectives include promoting technical-vocational education, supporting private TVET institutions, and addressing labor market demands through job-specific training. PESFA covers both degree and non-degree courses, focusing on students who have completed at least 10 years of basic education, are Filipino citizens, and come from households earning less than PHP 300,000 annually.
Training Modalities of PESFA
PESFA offers two types of training modalities to address various industry needs:
- Bundled Programs: These programs support the Manufacturing Resurgence Program (MRP) and other priority industries. Bundled qualifications provide training for multiple competencies, producing graduates who can meet the demands of sectors vital to economic growth.
- Single Qualification Programs: For regions unable to implement bundled programs, PESFA offers single qualification training. These programs focus on specific skills aligned with local job market needs.
Both modalities are designed to increase the employability of graduates by equipping them with competencies recognized by industry standards.
Benefits
PESFA scholars receive comprehensive support during their training. Benefits include:
- Free Training Costs: All tuition and training fees are fully covered.
- Daily Allowance: Scholars receive PHP 60 per day for the duration of the training program.
- Book Allowance: For bundled programs, scholars get PHP 2,000; for single qualification programs, the allowance is PHP 500.
- Assessment Fee: Fees for competency assessments are also covered by the program.
These benefits alleviate the financial burden on scholars, allowing them to focus on completing their training and achieving industry certification.
It also offers the following benefits to the industry, creating a competent labor force trained to meet industry standards:
- Encouraging TVET Enrollment: By promoting technical-vocational courses, PESFA contributes to a growing skilled workforce.
- Supporting Industry Demands: The program aligns with in-demand job requirements, particularly in priority industries like manufacturing.
- Strengthening Private Institutions: It ensures private training institutions have sufficient student enrollment to sustain their programs.
Target Beneficiaries
TESDA PESFA prioritizes providing financial assistance to specific groups of marginalized but deserving individuals. These groups include:
- Filipino citizens who have completed at least 10 years of basic education.
- Individuals aged 15 and above at the start of training.
- Students from families with an annual income not exceeding PHP 300,000.
- Persons with disabilities (PWDs).
- Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
- Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
- Solo parents and their children as defined under RA 8972.
- Families of migrant workers or Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Education Level: Completed at least 10 years of basic education.
- Age Requirement: Be at least 15 years old when starting the training.
- Financial Qualification: Have a family income not exceeding PHP 300,000 per year.
Documentary Requirements
Qualified applicants for TESDA PESFA need to submit specific documents to prove their eligibility for the program. These requirements include:
For Applicants
- A copy of the applicant’s report card or certificate showing completion of at least 10 years of basic education.
- Annual Income Tax Return or Certificate of Compensation Payment/Tax Withheld for the previous year.
- Certificate of Exemption from Payment of Income Tax issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
- Certificate of Indigency issued by the City/Municipal Mayor, Social Welfare and Development Officer (C/MSWDO), or Barangay Captain.
For TESDA-Accredited Training Institutions (TVIs)
To participate in the PESFA program, training institutions must meet the following criteria:
- Comply with TESDA’s technical audit requirements.
- Demonstrate sufficient capacity in terms of facilities, tools, equipment, and trainers.
- Achieve at least 50% employment and 80% utilization rates for previous scholarship programs.
Note: All newly registered TVIs must provide inspection reports from TESDA provincial offices to confirm their compliance. Institutions found guilty of misconduct, such as falsifying reports or imposing unauthorized fees, are disqualified from the program.
How to Apply for PESFA
TESDA offers three convenient methods for scholarship application. Choose your preferred method and follow these steps to successfully complete your application:
Through Barangay Listing
Step 1. Barangay officials or their designated representatives conduct a Barangay Skills Need Survey (BSNS) to identify potential beneficiaries.
Step 2. The accomplished BSNS Form, listing qualified individuals, is submitted to the TESDA regional or provincial office.
Step 3. TESDA evaluates and approves the list, ensuring all applicants meet the program’s qualifications.
Via Online Scholarship Application
Step 1. Choose a technical-vocational course.
Step 2. Visit the official TESDA website at tesda.gov.ph/Barangay to access the online application form.
Step 3. Complete the required fields and attach the necessary documents to finalize your application.
Step 4. Submit the form online, and wait for further communication from TESDA regarding the status of your application.
Step 5. Wait for an email containing the training date and location from the TESDA Provincial Office.
By Walk-In Application
Step 1. Choose a technical-vocational course.
Step 2. Visit the nearest TESDA office, regional center, or private Technical-Vocational Institution (TVI).
Step 3. Submit your application along with all required documents to the designated TESDA personnel or TVI representative.
Step 4. TVIs may also assist in recruiting qualified applicants and forward the list to TESDA for verification and approval.
Step 5. Wait for the notification containing the training date and location from the TESDA Provincial Office.
Note: Regardless of the mode of application, all submissions are subject to TESDA’s verification process to ensure compliance with the program’s requirements.
PESFA Application for TESDA-Accredited Training Institutions
TESDA-accredited training institutions must follow these steps to process PESFA applications:
Step 1. Submit the completed Qualification Map (QM) using Form 01 to the TESDA Provincial Office (PO), ensuring compliance with eligibility requirements.
Step 2. Provide necessary supporting documents, including training costs, schedules, and compliance reports, for evaluation by the PO.
Step 3. Await PO evaluation, which includes notification of any additional requirements to be fulfilled.
Step 4. After PO approval, the QM is forwarded to the Regional Office (RO) and then to the Scholarship Management Office-Communities and Local Government Unit Services (SMO-CLGUS).
Step 5. Upon final approval, TESDA issues PESFA scholarship grant certificates to the institutions.
Step 6. Training programs may only begin once the scholarship certificates are received from TESDA.
Monitoring and Evaluation
TESDA closely monitors PESFA’s implementation to maintain its integrity and effectiveness. Regional offices oversee training programs and submit regular reports on enrollment, attendance, and employment outcomes. TESDA also conducts financial audits to verify the proper use of funds allocated to training institutions.
Violations such as ghost training or misrepresentation by TVIs result in penalties, including suspension or revocation of their accreditation. These measures uphold the program’s credibility and accountability.
PESFA Budget and Target Groups
The PESFA program operates on an annual budget of PHP 200 million under the General Appropriations Act (GAA). Budget allocation considers the number of high school graduates and poverty incidence in each region, ensuring resources are directed to areas with the greatest need.
At least 5% of the budget is reserved for persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups. This prioritization aligns with the government’s commitment to inclusive education and economic empowerment.
Where to Get the Application Form
You can obtain the application form for the TESDA PESFA program through various channels. It is available online on the official TESDA website at www.tesda.gov.ph under the scholarship section. Alternatively, you can visit any TESDA regional or provincial office, or accredited training institution, to request a copy of the form in person.
Fees and Processing Time
The TESDA PESFA program is offered free of charge to qualified applicants, covering training costs, assessment fees, book allowances, and daily student allowances. The processing time for PESFA applications varies depending on the mode of application, with online and walk-in applications typically processed faster compared to barangay listing submissions. Applicants are advised to coordinate directly with their TESDA regional or provincial office for specific timelines.
Additional Information and Assistance
For more details about PESFA, interested applicants can contact TESDA through the following channels:
- Hotline: 8887-7777
- Email: contactcenter@tesda.gov.ph
- Social Media: @TESDAOfficial
Applicants can also visit TESDA regional and provincial offices for personalized assistance.
Video: How to Apply for TESDA Scholarship Online
To learn more about the qualifications, procedures, requirements, fees, and everything else you need to know about applying for a TESDA Scholarship online, watch this video from ProMagTv today:
Summary
TESDA’s Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) program offers marginalized students the opportunity to pursue technical-vocational education with full financial support. With its inclusive application process, substantial benefits, and alignment with industry needs, PESFA helps build a skilled and employable workforce while supporting private training institutions. By following the application guidelines and meeting eligibility criteria, students can take advantage of this scholarship program and secure a brighter future.