Grade 7 students get gov’t subsidy

(Philippines) THE Department of Education has increased by 98 percent the education service contracting slots for incoming Grade 7 students who wish to continue their secondary education in private schools owing to congestion in public schools.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said the number of slots has increased from 190,536 in school year 2011-2012 to 377,227 slots this school year under the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) program. The amount of grant has likewise increased from R5,500 to R6,500 for First Year Education Service Contracting (ESC) grantees outside of the National Capital Region starting this school year.