Indigent students who want to pursue a three-year diploma program on Business Agriculture Technology (BAT) can still submit their application to avail of the grant. Slots are still available and interested K-12 graduates can still submit their application on or before July 31.
The scholarship program is made possible through the collaboration of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Recoletos Online Learning Extension (ROLEx) Project.
ROLEx is a grant from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Institutional Development and Innovation Grants (IDIG) in 2016. It is a ladderized program with a credit system. Units earned by students are credited if they decide to pursue the degree Bachelor of Science major in Agriculture. The program being offered at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos accepts scholars who are disadvantaged K-12 graduates, primarily children of farmers.
From 50, TESDA has increased the number of scholarships to 100 for the school year 2024-2025.
All applicants will be subjected to a qualifying exam. Passers will undergo interviews to select the 100 scholars who will receive a scholarship amounting to P45,000 per semester. Of the amount, P27,000 will cover their tuition. Grantees will also receive a daily allowance of P160.00, learning allowances and internet cards. BAT is the only program in the Philippines that is 90% online and 10% face-to-face.
Since its inception, the program funded by TESDA, has produced 17 graduates. Meanwhile, 24 finishers have decided to pursue BS in Agriculture degrees. To date, six BAT graduates have earned their BS in Agriculture degrees.
The program equips students with skills in agriculture, covering everything from animal raising to crop production. Scholars are trained to be real farmers. The program integrates knowledge of agricultural science, technology, business management, and sustainability. Students gain practical knowledge and at the same time, modern farming techniques and hands-on training on agriculture machinery and equipment operation
“We are bridging the gap between these poor but deserving students and TESDA. There are a lot of untapped government programs. These families are unaware of these opportunities for their children to be educated and skilled. They deserve to be given the education and training they need to have a brighter future,” said the project proponent.
Interested parties may email idigrolex@gmail.com or message www.facebook.com/agrecoletos to inquire about application requirements and examination schedules. Pre-registration is available at https://forms.gle/g1zcudkee6XiXLkM8.*
