I. Background and Rationale
The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XII, in collaboration with the CHED-Office of Student Development and Services (CHED-OSDS) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), conducted the Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and their Families (CoScho) Information Caravan on August 10, 2026, at North Valley College Foundation, Inc. (NVCFI), Kidapawan City, Cotabato.
The activity was conducted to provide coconut farmers and their families with accurate and accessible information regarding the CoScho Scholarship Program, particularly its objectives, eligibility requirements, application procedures, documentary requirements, priority programs, and other relevant provisions.
The Information Caravan brought together representatives from CHED-OSDS, CHED Regional Office XII, PCA Regional Office XII, PCA-BARMM, PCA Provincial Coordinators, Higher Education Institution (HEI) Focals, coconut farmers, and their dependents who are graduating or have graduated from Grade 12, as well as students currently enrolled in bachelorโs degree programs.
As an active partner of CHED in advancing accessible and quality higher education, North Valley College Foundation, Inc. recognizes the importance of strong institutional partnerships in ensuring that educational opportunities reach communities, particularly families of coconut farmers and other underserved sectors. Through collaboration with government agencies and stakeholders, NVCFI continues to support initiatives that provide students with opportunities to pursue higher education and achieve their educational and career aspirations.
II. Objectives
The activity aimed to:
- Increase awareness among coconut farmers and their dependents regarding the CoScho Scholarship Program;
- Explain the revised implementing guidelines pursuant to Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, Series of 2026 issued by CHED and PCA;
- Provide clear information on scholarship eligibility, documentary requirements, application procedures, and priority programs;
- Address questions and concerns of prospective scholars, parents, students, and HEI representatives;
- Strengthen coordination and collaboration among CHED, PCA, HEIs, coconut-farming communities, and other stakeholders; and
- Promote equitable access to quality higher education through strengthened government-academe-community partnerships.
III. Highlights of the Activity
A major component of the Information Caravan was the presentation of the revised Implementing Guidelines of the CoScho Program pursuant to JMC No. 1, Series of 2026. Representatives from CHED-OSDS discussed the major revisions and updates to the program, including the qualifications, requirements, application procedures, priority degree programs, and other provisions relevant to prospective scholars.
An open forum and question-and-answer session followed the presentation. Participants were given the opportunity to directly raise concerns and seek clarification from the program implementers. Questions focused primarily on eligibility, documentary requirements, application procedures, priority programs, and other matters concerning the implementation of the scholarship program.
The interactive discussion helped clarify misconceptions and provided participants with a better understanding of the opportunities available through CoScho.
IV. Role of North Valley College Foundation, Inc.
As the host and partner Higher Education Institution, North Valley College Foundation, Inc. demonstrated its commitment to being a reliable partner of CHED in assuring access to quality education for all.
NVCFI recognizes that quality education becomes more meaningful when educational opportunities are made accessible to students regardless of their socioeconomic background. By supporting scholarship initiatives such as CoScho, the College contributes to the development of human capital and helps create pathways for students from coconut-growing communities to pursue higher education.
The partnership also strengthens the Collegeโs connection with government agencies, communities, families, and students. Through these collaborative efforts, NVCFI seeks to ensure that students are not only given access to higher education but are also provided with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to contribute to their families and communities.
V. Alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 17
The activity strongly supports Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17): Partnerships for the Goals, particularly through the establishment and strengthening of partnerships among government agencies, higher education institutions, communities, and beneficiaries.
The CoScho Information Caravan demonstrates that addressing educational needs requires collective action and shared responsibility. CHED provides policy direction and scholarship administration, PCA connects the program to coconut farmers and their communities, while HEIs such as North Valley College provide the educational environment where beneficiaries can pursue their chosen programs.
Through this partnership, the participating institutions collectively work toward expanding educational opportunities and ensuring that government programs reach their intended beneficiaries.
The activity exemplifies the principle that strong partnerships create stronger educational opportunities. By working together, CHED, PCA, NVCFI, other HEIs, coconut farmers, parents, and students contribute to a more inclusive and accessible higher education system.
VI. Outcomes
The activity resulted in:
- Increased awareness of coconut farmers and their dependents regarding the CoScho Scholarship Program;
- Improved understanding of the revised CoScho Implementing Guidelines;
- Clarification of eligibility, application, and documentary requirements;
- Enhanced coordination among CHED, PCA, HEIs, and community stakeholders;
- Greater awareness among students of available opportunities for pursuing higher education; and
- Strengthened commitment among participating institutions to collaborate in expanding access to quality education.
VII. Conclusion
The CoScho Information Caravan at North Valley College Foundation, Inc. served as an important platform for connecting government scholarship programs with the communities they are intended to serve. More than an information-dissemination activity, it demonstrated the value of collaboration in addressing educational needs and creating opportunities for students and families.
For North Valley College Foundation, Inc., the activity reaffirmed its commitment to its role as a partner of CHED and other stakeholders in assuring quality, accessible, and inclusive higher education. The College recognizes that achieving meaningful educational outcomes requires sustained partnerships among government agencies, higher education institutions, communities, families, and students.
Anchored on SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, the activity reflects the shared commitment of CHED, PCA, NVCFI, and other stakeholders to work together in bringing educational opportunities closer to the people.
Through partnerships such as CoScho, the journey from the coconut farm to the classroom becomes a pathway toward a brighter and more empowered future.
VIII. SDG 17 Commitment Statement
North Valley College Foundation, Inc. commits to strengthening partnerships with CHED, PCA, government agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to advance accessible and quality higher education. Through collaborative programs and initiatives, NVCFI seeks to ensure that no deserving student is left behind and that education becomes a meaningful instrument for community development and social transformation.
