Expansion of the Affirmative Admissions Policy for Children of Underprivileged Families,
Other Disadvantaged Sectors, Student-Athletes, and Artists
(BOR Resolution No. 144, s. 2025)
Rationale
Republic Act No. 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017) affirms the right of all Filipinos to quality education and calls for increased participation and equal opportunities across socioeconomic classes in higher education. Consistent with this mandate and with CHED’s prioritization of academically able students from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds, Visayas State University (VSU) seeks to broaden access while upholding academic standards.
VSU currently implements BOR Resolution No. 20, s. 2019 on affirmative admissions for applicants who are: 4Ps beneficiaries, Indigenous Peoples (IP), Persons with Disabilities (PWD), and those from far-flung barangays and areas with limited ICT access. To further strengthen equity and inclusion, this proposal expands coverage to additional Equity Target Groups (ETGs) and students with exceptional talents in sports and culture and arts listed below.
By expanding affirmative admissions, the Admissions Office aims to increase fair access for academically able students from disadvantaged groups while upholding program standards.
Coverage
This policy applies to first-year applicants to all undergraduate programs of VSU, subject to university and program-specific admission requirements
Equity Target Groups (ETGs)
A.
|
Equity Target Group |
Acceptable Evidence |
Illustrative Legal/Policy Basis |
|
DSWD/4Ps ID or certification |
RA 11310 |
|
NCIP/tribal certification |
RA 8371 (IPRA) |
|
PWD ID/Philippine Registry for PWD |
RA 7277, as amended |
|
DepEd Certification |
DepEd GIDA Guidelines |
B. Existing ETGs under BOR Resolution No. 20, s. 2019
C. Proposed Additional ETGs (Expanded Coverage)
|
Equity Target Group |
Description |
Acceptable Evidence |
Illustrative Legal/Policy Basis |
|
Child/dependent of an individual certified/enrolled as a Former Rebel (FR) under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) |
1) Provincial/City ECLIP Committee or DILG certification that the parent/guardian is an enrolled FR; (2) PSA birth certificate proving relationship; (3) Government ID of the FR |
Administrative Order No. 10 (2018) creating Task Force Balik-Loob; EO 70 (2018) Whole-of- Nation/NTF-ELCAC; DILG–DND JMC 2018-01 and 2021 updated JMC implementing E-CLIP; gov’t issuances noting education assistance for FRs and dependents. |
|
Applicant whose both biological/legal parents are deceased at the time of application |
PSA Death Certificates of both parents and the applicant’s PSA Birth Certificate to establish filiation. |
PSA is the civil registry authority for death certificates (official proof of death). |
|
Individuals previously outside formal schooling who are qualified to enter college via ALS |
(a) ALS A&E Certificate of Rating (HS level) indicating eligibility to enroll in HEIs; (b) valid ID. |
RA 11510 (ALS Act) and its IRR (institutionalizes ALS and pathways to further education); DepEd Order No. 27, s. 2018 (A&E HS passers may enroll in college); CHED Memorandum, 2018 directing HEIs to accept ALS A&E HS passers (with bridging if required). |
|
Applicants aged 60 and above |
OSCA Senior Citizen ID; Philippine passport; or other government-issued ID showing Filipino citizenship and date of birth (≥60) |
RA 9994 (Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010) defines senior citizens and recognizes OSCA IDs and other government IDs/passport as proof |
|
Applicant is a solo parent (as defined by law) or the dependent child of a solo parent |
Solo Parent ID issued by the LGU (valid at application time) and PSA birth certificate(s) linking parent and child |
RA 8972 as amended by RA 11861 (Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, 2022); Revised IRR (2022) |
|
Applicant belongs to a family formally recorded as disaster-affected/ displaced (due to a declared calamity or armed conflict) within the last 3 years |
Any one of the following issued for the specific incident: (a) DSWD Disaster Assistance Family Access Card (DAFAC) or DSWD certification of disaster-affected status; (b) LGU/MSWD or Barangay certification citing the calamity/disaster declaration and dates of displacement; (c) Evacuee/IDP ID or registry entry used by LGU/DSWD during response; plus a government ID of the applicant |
RA 10121 (DRRM Act) and IRR (definitions of disaster-affected/ IDPs and DRRM system); DSWD MC 2021-013 (DAFAC use); NDRRMC National Disaster Response Plan 2024 and NDRRMC MC No. 01, s. 2025 (reporting/definitions for affected populations/IDPs); RA 10821 (children’s emergency relief & protection). |
|
Applicant is the child/dependent of an AFP/PNP member killed in action/operation or wounded in action/operation (including TPPD, if applicable) in the line of duty |
(1) AFP/PNP casualty or line-of-duty certification indicating KIA/KIPO or WIA/WIPO (and TPPD, if applicable); (2) PSA birth certificate (or legal guardianship/adoption papers) proving relationship; (3) Gov’t ID of the fallen/injured personnel; (optional, if applicable) Medal of Valor Dependent ID |
RA 6963: scholarships up to college for surviving children of police/military killed or permanently incapacitated; plus priority employment for spouses (Secs. 7–8). EO 110 (2020): institutionalizes the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP), including scholarship/educational assistance for qualified beneficiaries of KIA/KIPO and WIA/WIPO personnel. RA 9049 IRR: privileges for Medal of Valor awardees’ dependents (where applicable). |
D. Proposed Admission Policy for Exceptional Talent Categories (Sports and Culture/Arts)
| Category | Description | Affiliated VSU Group/Team | Procedure |
|
Athletes |
Student-athletes with exceptional skill or achievement in recognized sports (e.g., regional winner, national medalist, or equivalent), endorsed by the coach and Sports Development Office. |
VSU Pythons — all varsity sports and athletics |
VSUCAT non-qualifiers may be considered for admission upon proof of exceptional skill (e.g., regional winner, national finalist, or equivalent prestigious competitions at regional/national/international levels). VSUCAT non-qualifiers shall upload scanned credentials (awards/certifications issued by school or organizers) in the VSUCAT online application under the chosen sport or arts group. Teams/coaches may scout and endorse candidates to the Admissions Office. Endorsement by Coach must be noted by the Sports Development Director or CAO Director, and approved by the VPSAS. Recruited applicants must submit documentary evidence of their sports or culture-and-arts achievements together with their GPA for Grades 9, 10, and 11. Upon acceptance, the student signs a Waiver/Undertaking/Contract to maintain no failing, incomplete, or withdrawn grade; probation or removal may be imposed for violations. |
|
Artists |
Students with exceptional talent or distinction in performing, visual, literary, media, or debate arts (e.g., regional winner, national finalist, or equivalent), endorsed by the coach/director and Culture & Arts Office. |
VSU Choral Ensemble VSU Folkloric Dance Troupe VSU Rondalla VSU Live Band VSU Visual Artists Radio Drama Literary and Theatre Arts Media Arts VSU Debaters |
Note: Evidence listed is indicative; VSU Admissions may issue detailed guidelines on document formats and validation procedures.
Eligibility and Prioritization
- Academic Minimums: Applicants must meet VSU’s general admission standards and program specific minimums (e.g., cut scores, prerequisites).
- ETG/ Exceptional Talent Category Recognition: Applicants who submit verified documentation for at least one ETG or Exceptional Talent Category qualify for affirmative consideration.
- Affirmative Admissions for 4Ps Dependents: Consistent with RA 11310 (4Ps Act) and the equity intent of RA 10931 and its IRR, the University reserves guaranteed admission slots for qualified dependents of 4Ps households, regardless of final admissions rating/cut score. Beneficiaries must still complete Senior High School, meet program-specific prerequisites, and submit documentary proof (e.g., DSWD/4Ps certification or household ID). To support readiness and success, the University, through the concerned academic unit(s), e.g., the Faculty of Education, shall implement extension/bridging programs (diagnostics, reviews, study-skills, mentoring) for DepEd learners in feeder schools.
- Affirmative Admissions for Other ETGs: Per BOR Resolution No. 20, s. 2019, up to ten percent (10%) of first-year slots per degree program may be allocated to Children of Underprivileged Families and other disadvantaged sectors (e.g., PWDs, IPs), subject to a minimum final rating of forty percent (40%), complete documentation, and compliance with program requirements.
- Non-Discrimination & Standards: These measures are remedial and inclusive; they do not lower academic standards nor authorize discriminatory practices. All beneficiaries must complete application requirements and program prerequisites, and will receive targeted academic support to promote persistence and graduation.
- Multiple ETGs/ Exceptional Talent Category: Applicants who qualify under multiple social categories or exceptional talent categories may be considered under only one category for affirmative admission. All categories are treated equally; no point system or stacking applies.
Implementation Guidelines
- Verification: The Admissions Office will validate documents or conduct spot checks with issuing agencies. Misrepresentation is grounds for disqualification or revocation of Admission.
- Data Privacy: All personal data shall be processed in compliance with RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act) and VSU policies.
- Annual Review: Admissions Office, VPSAS, and concerned colleges will submit an annual equity report (applications, admissions, and retention) and recommend policy refinements for BOR action.
Effectivity
This policy takes effect upon BOR-approval and applies to the VSUCAT 2026 admissions cycle and succeeding cycles, unless amended or repeated.
