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Republic of the Philippines

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION

CHED ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
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Series of 2015
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THE PHILIPPINE-CALIFORNIA ADVANCED RESEARCH INSTITUTES

(PCARI) SCHOLARSIUPS PROJECT IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES

Pursuant to the provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement between Commission on Higher

Education (CHED) and the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute
(DOST-SEI) dated 29 December 2014, on the implementation of the PCARI Scholarships Project
approved for funding and implementation by viitue of Commission en banc (CEB) Resolution No. R018-2014 dated 29 December 2014, in accordance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act 7722,
otherwise known as tlie Higher Education Act of 1994 and Special Provision No. 6 of Republic Act No.
10352 otherwise known as the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 mandating
the Commission to implement the PCARI Project, a major component of which is scholaiships and
training, the Commission hereby confmns and issues these PCARI Scholarships Project Implementing
Guidelines as endorsed by the PCARI Scholarship Advisory Council.
L

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The Philippine government has decided to addr ess the limited capacity of Philippine higher education
institutions (HEIs) in undertaking world-class research, development and innovation. This decision is a
response to the needs of national development. As the ASEAN Free Trade Area takes effect in 2015, it
is important for the country to have the capacity to compete in an open market of 500 million people.
The Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes (PCARI) Project aims to provide an
oppoitunity for catalytic interaction with the world's elite universities and galvanize top talents in the
country to be more active in fundamental and applied research relevant to the country's socio-economic
development in order to help ensure the long-term competitiveness of the Philippines.
The PCARI Project has two major integral components: (a) human resource development (HRD) and
capacity building in resear ch and development, particularly in the areas of information infrastructure
development (IID) and health innovation and translational medicine (HITM); and (b) the actual
production of new knowledge in these fields where Philippine scientists and researchers show much
promise, based on their track records like publications in scientific journals and patent applications. The
PCARI Project is unique in that it involves convergence of training and research.
The HRD or the scholarships component of the PCARI Project is primarily for capacity building of
researchers, faculty and students of Philippine HEIs in line with the DOST's National Science and
Teclmology Plan's (NSTP) priority areas. The PCARI research activities will be the vehicle for capacity
building and scholarships. This approach will not only provide highly-trained scientists and reseai chers
but also enable enterprises to be established utilizing the expertise gained through the collaborative
activities with California universities.
The objective of the PCARI Scholarships Project is to develop a critical mass of scientists, technologists
and innovators with capacity to generate and translate technologies into innovations that will address
societal problems.

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Higher Education Development Center Building, C.P. Garcia Ave., UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Web Site: www.ched.aov.Dh Tel. Nos. 441-1177, 385-4391, 441-1169, 441-1149, 441-1170, 441-1216, 392-5296

Specifically, PCARI Project through its Institute for Health Innovation and Translational
Medicine (IHITM) will focus on developing robust research, policy and clinical capacity within the
Philippines as an engine for long-term development, while providing a venue for introducing new
methods of device, diagnostic and drug development, testing and implementation of high quality, costsensitive models of delivering healthcare, and improving the health and economic potential of the
Philippines.
On the other hand, through its - Institute for Information Infrastructure Development (HID) will
focus on generating the required number of scientists, researchers and engineers necessaiy to drive the
Philippine ICT Industry's growth. After completion of their studies/training, this highly trained
workforce will further train other students and engineers - creating a multiplier effect and helping to
ensure adequate supply of highly competent human resource that will stiengthen the Philippines'
position in today's knowledge-based global economy.
II.

PURPOSE OF THE GUIDELINES

These implementing guidelines will address the unique features of the PCARI Project specifically its
international collaboration involving integrated research and training approach, which will provide
Philippine HEls access to high science and emerging technologies. These are consistent with existing
DOST and CHED guidelines in the implementation of scholaiship programs.

IH.

COVERAGE AND COMPONENTS

The Scholar ships Project covers degree and non-degree courses exclusive of training below six (6)
months duration in the priority fields of health innovation and translational medicine as well as
information infrastructure development and other areas to be detennined.
The scholarships will be open to researchers, faculty and graduate students of Philippine PCARI
collaborating higher education institutions (HEIs) and other Philippine HEIs as may be identified by
CHED, including the consortium member-institutions of the ERDT and the ASTHRDP.
Delivering institutions include the Philippine- and California, USA-based HEIs involved in PCARI
projects.
The Project Advisory Council upon recommendation of the Scholarships Committee shall determine
additional priority areas and delivering institutions subject to the approval of the CHED CEB.
A.

Programs for the Institute for Health Innovation and Translational Medicine (IHITM)

The PCARl-lnstitute for Health Innovation and Translational Medicine (IHITM) will support scholais
to acquire the expertise in advancing clinical and translational research, product and technology
development, clinical trials, clinical caie, implementation of science health policy in the Philippines
towards addressing pressing health challenges in the country', improvement of health care dehvery,
expansion of research & development capacity and health-related innovation. Degree programs
identified are aimed at increasing the number of faculty-scientists and researchers with the capacity to
generate effective technologies to benefit society and develop affordable diagnostic kits, medical
devices and inexpensive drugs and the creation of jobs to produce such to improve the diagnosis and
treatment of the top 10 causes of morbidity and mortality in the country. Scholarship opportunities for
both local and international graduate study are available to eligible Filipinos on a competitive basis.
1. Degree Programs
1.1.

Master of Science (MS) Programs (Local). The local master of science (M.S.)
scholarship programs are designed to (1) develop the students' ability in conducting

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independent research in individual's chosen area of specialization, and (2) prepare them
for scientific career in academic or research institutions, and in industry, particularly in
research and development, and (3) lay the groundwork for pursuing a doctoral degree
and/or training. The local Master's degree progiams include six (6)-month sandwich
program at the University of Califomia San Francisco or Berkeley Campuses to provide
additional training in research laboratories on specific areas of study.
Local M.S.
1.1.1.
1.1.2.
1.1.3.
1.1.4.
1.1.5.
1.1.6.
1.1.7.

degree programs offered under the Scholarship Projects aie as follows;

M.S. in Chemistry
M.S. in Computer Science
M.S. Molecular Medicine
M. S. in Biology
M.S. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
M.S. in Health Informatics
M.S. in Physics

Scholarships for a local M.S. program may also be granted to qualified applicants
interested in pursuing degree programs not included in the above list but are aligned to
the thrusts of PCARI-IHITM.
1.2.

Master of Translational Medicine and Master in Clinical Research (Overseas).

The Master of Translational Medicine (MTM) is a joint program of the Depailment of
Bioengineering at University of Califomia Berkeley with the Department of
Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences at University of Califomia San Francisco
and is designed to train students in applying translational reseaich and engineering
approaches to solve fundamental problems in healthcare delivery. The 11-month
program culminates in a capstone design-project experience in which students work in
interdisciplinary teams co-advised by an engineering faculty member and an M.D.,
PhannD, or clinician. Initial focus areas include therapeutic design and delivery,
construction of medical devices, and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
The Master's Degree Program in Clinical Reseaich is a two-year course of study
intended for graduate and professional students, clinical residents, post-doctoral
fellows, and faculty members who wish to master clinical research methods and pursue
independent research careers. Course work extends beyond that wluch is required for
the Advance Training in Clinical Research (ATCR) Certificate Program to include
i n s t i T J C t i o i i in advanced epidemiologic and biostatistical methods and specialized topics
such as qualitative research, medical infomiatics, molecular methods in clinical
research, and decision and cost-effectiveness analysis. A focused tiack in
implementation science is also available for students pursuing careers in the tianslation
of evidence into practice.
Scholarships for overseas M.S. program may also be granted to qualified applicants
interested in pursuing degree programs not included in the above list but are aligned to
the tlirusts of PCARI-IHITM.

L3.

Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) Programs (Local). The local doctoral degree (Ph.D.)
scholarship programs are designed to (1) expand the students' knowledge thru an
advanced, high-level graduate education, (2) develop talent for original, productive,
and creative work, and (3) enable them to fonnulate and undertake independent
research and development in research areas relevant to PCARI-IHITM. Included in the
local Ph.D. degree program is a six (6)-month sandwich program at the University of
Califomia San Francisco or Berkeley Campuses to provide additional training in
research laboratories on specific areas of study.

I Reference; ERDT and UCSF Sandwich Program, .http/ www.erdt.coe-upd.cdu.nh human-rcsourcc-de\eh-)pnicnt sanJwich-pn'iiraiii.html.
http://alobalheaithscicnces.ucsl.edu cducatn'in-training other-programs past-programs sandwich

Local Ph.D. degree programs offered and under the Scholarship Projects aie as
follows:
1.3.1. Ph.D. in Cheinistry, specializing in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
1.3.2. Ph.D. in Biology
1.3.3. Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine
Scholarships for a local Ph.D. program may also be granted to qualified applicants
interested in pursuing degree programs not included in the above list but are aligned to
the thrusts of PCARI-IHITM.
1.4.

Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Ph.D. Biological and Medical
Informatics (Overseas). The Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology under the
University of California San Francisco TETRAD giaduate program prepares Ph.D.
students to address fundamental research problems in modem biology, with an
emphasis in the four (4) basic research areas of biochemistiy and molecular biology,
cell biology, developmental biology, and genetics. The program as a whole provides
broad, interdisciplinary training and opportunities in a congenial community of
outstanding research laboratories.
The Biological and Medical Infoimatics program of the University of California San
Francisco equips Ph.D. students witli tlie skills and knowledge in applied mathematics,
infonnatics, statistics, computer science, physics, chemistry, and biology needed to
study biological composition, structure, function, and evolution at the molecular,
cellular, and systems levels. The BMI prograin offers two (2) areas of designated
emphasis: Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CBBI) and Complex Biological
Systems (CBS).
Scholarships for a overseas Ph.D. program may also be granted to qualified applicants
interested in pursuing degree programs not included in the above list but are aligned to
the thrusts of PCARI-IHITM.

2. Non-Degree Program
Postdoc on Genomics and Bioinformatics for Research Development in Philippine HEI.
IHITM shall recruit Filipino Postdoctoral students from UCSF or other international or local
academic institution to come and be part of a research study of the Philippine Genome Center
of the University of the Philippines. These Postdocs shall serve as researchers for a period of
two (2) years in the areas of Genomics and Bioinformatics.
B. Programs for the Institute for Information Infrastructure Development
The Institute for Infonnation Infrastructure Development (HID) will support scholars to acquire
the expertise to advance infonnation and communications technology, energy, e-govemment,
education, manufacturing, transport and other vital infrastructure. Scholarship opportunities for
both local and intemational graduate study are available to eligible Filipinos on a competitive
basis.
1. Degree Programs
1.1. Master of Science and Master of Engineering Degree Scholarship Program (Local). The
Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Engineering (M.Eng) emphasize research preparation,
problem solving and experience, and for most students, lays the groundwork for pursuing a
Doctoral degree and/or starting up a teclmology company. It requires either a research thesis or a
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elopineiii ^andvvicij-pn-'arain.hlinl.

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report on a research project. The scholarship provides support for two (2) years and includes a
six (6)-month Sandwich Program on Technopreneurship at the University of Califomia Berkeley,
recognized as one of the world's leading entrepreneurial institutions. The scholarship program
also provides a startup giant for the scholar to pursue reseaich or technopreneurship activities in
the Philippines.
1.2. Master of Engineering at UC Berkeley Scholarship Program (Overseas). The Master of
Engineering (M.Eng.) which will last for one (1) year is a professional masters that is designed
for students who plan to contribute to the development of high value activities in the local ICT
industry. The accelerated program is designed to develop professional engineering leaders of the
future who understand the technical, economic, and social issues of technology. Tlie interdisciplinary program covers two (2) academic semesters with tliree (3) major components: (1) an
area of technical concentration, (2) courses in leadership skills, and (3) a rigorous capstone
project. In particular, the M. Eng. Progiam cuiriculum in U.C. Berkeley integrates engineering
coiu-sework with classes in leadership and core management concepts. Students tackle actual
industry challenges through case studies and a capstone project. The scholarship program also
provides a startup grant for the scholar to pursue research or technopreneurship activities in the
Philippines.
1.3. Doctoral Degree in Sciences and Engineering Scholarship Program (Overseas and
Local). The Doctoral degree scholaiship program in Engineering and Sciences is designed to
enlarge the body of knowledge and to develop talent for original, productive, and creative work
m areas relevant to the PCARI-IIID thrust. In many cases, Doctoral studies consist of courses
selected for the individual in consultation with a faculty guidance committee, successful
completion of a prelrminaiy and a qualifying examination, and an independent research
cuhninating in a dissertation. Doctoral students may need to satisfy course work requirements
consisting of major and minor areas appropriate for the chosen area of reseai ch.
The Local Doctoral Degree Scholarship Program includes support for a six (6)-month Sandwich
Program on Technopreneurship at the University of Califomia. This will enable the local scholars
to benefit from meaningful international immersion in world-class laboratories and
entrepreneurial training in the ICT available in the Silicon Valley area, which they will bring back
to the Philippines to benefit local industry and academe. Both scholarship programs provide a
startup grant for the scholar to pursue research or technopreneurship acti\'ities in the Philippines.
1.4. (Stand-alone) Master's and Doctoral Sandwich Programs'
Tlie Stand-alone Sandwich Progiam, which provides support for six (6) months to one (1) yeai' is
a fellowship that is offered to graduate students in eligible Universities to perfomn research in a
relevant field in a university or research institution that is pait of an ongoing PCARl-funded
project. Through the sandwich opportunity, Filipino students will be able to gain a broader
perspective and technical knowledge at par with global standards while benefiting from the intercultural exchange.
The scholars are expected to; (I) complete the initial part of their study/tiaining in their home
university; (2) conduct their research in the host university along with possible immersion in
technopreneurship programs; and, (3) retum to their home university to complete a thesis aligned
with PCARI Research Priorities. Scholars who successfully completed this program may avail of
the Start-up Research Grant subject to the approval of the respective RDI.
2. Non-Degree Programs
2.1 PCARI HID Postdoctoral Study Award. The goal of the HID Postdoctoral Progiam is to
provide doctoral degree holders with opportunities to pursue innovative inter-disciplinary
research through targeted collaboration with renowned UC faculty. Towards the end of the study,
I Reference: ERDT and UCSF Sandwich Program, .http:' www.erdt.coe.upd.cdu.nh iuinian-rc.sourcc-developmcnl Siindwicli-proLiriim .hinil.
Iillp: ak'balhcaltliscionL'es ucsl'.edu'education-tiainina other-programs past-proaram.s sandwich

the postdoctoral candidate may avail of internships in venture capital firms or start-up companies
that will be facilitated by the PCARl-lllD with assistance fiom UC. The minimum period for
post-doctoral awards is six (6) months and maximum is one (1) year- with the option to apply for
extension for one (1) more year.

IV.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

A. Master's Degree
The applicant must:
have a BS degree in relevant disciplines
have research proposal aligned with the PCARl-IllD/lHITM key/priority areas
not be more than 45 years old at the time of application
be a Filipino citizen
be in good health
have no criminal/ administrative cases
be admitted to the CHED-identified university where s/he wishes to puisue his/her graduate
studies
B. Doctoral Degree
Tlie applicant must:
have a Master's degree (by research) or equivalent or a BS degree with exceptional academic
record in relevant disciplines
have research proposal aligned with the PCARI-IlID/IHITM key/priority areas
not be more than 45 year s old at the time of application
be a Filipino citizen
be in good health
have no criminal/ administrative cases
be admitted to the CHED-identified university where s/he wishes to puisue his/her graduate
studies
C. Postdoctoral Study Award
The applicant must:
possess a Doctorate degree in relevant disciplines
have a track record of relevant research experience
have research proposal aligned with the PCARI-IIID/IHITM key/priority areas
have an acceptance from a research collaborator in a PCARI pre-determined host institution
V.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The applicant must:

1. Accomplish the PCARl-IHlTM/PCARl-lllD Scholarship form.
2. Submit the accomplished form and the following documents to the PCARI-IHITM/PCARI-IIID
Office:
a) Cuniculum vitae covering personal, educational (includmg resear ch projects if applicable), and
professional (type of work and position occupied) background.
b) Certified true copy of: (1) grades or official transcript of records; and, (2) diploma or certificate
of graduation
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liltp:,. globalhealthsciences.uc.sf.edu^education-trainiii<j olher-nix^L^rams past-ni^ iiirani.s sandwich

on H I M F ,

c) Recommendation letter from three (3) past professors or supervisors

d) A narrative, not more than one thousand (1000) words, describing the applicant's cunent work
or project (or research) that s/he worked on and his/her contribution towards the completion of
the project
e) A nanative, not more than five hundred (500) words, describing the qualities that make (you)
the applicant outstanding in a highly competitive process (e.g., academic excellence,
development potential, financial need, etc.)
f) For Master's Applicant, a narrative, not more than five hundred (500) words, describing what
the applicant intends to do (e.g., work, business, etc.) after earning his/her graduate degree. For
Doctoral and Postdoc Applicants, a narrative, not more than 500 words, describing his/her
intended research area, e.g., a "Statement of Puipose".
g) Birth certificate (original NSO copy and photocopy)
h) Certification of no pending cases fr om (1) NBI and (2) employer (University for new graduates)
i) Admission letter
Note: For overseas scholarship, admission letter will only be required from prequalified applicants.

VL

SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION

A. The RDI shall:

1. Create a Selection Committee to be composed of PCARI-Project Manager as Chair with PCARI
IIID/IHITM Director, and a sectoral representative selected by each RDI as members.
2. Through the RDI Selection Committee,
a. identify pre-qualified applicants based on:
i. Academic qualification
ii. Research experience (if applicable)
iii. Development potential
b. Conduct interview
c. Ask for additional documents as deemed necessary
d. Require applicants to satisfy die qualifying scores of the GRE, lELTS, TOEFL, etc,.
3. Through the Project Manager, submit the names of the shortlisted applicants to the PCARI
Scholarsliips Committee tluougli the SEI.
B. The SEI shall:
1. Commission a duly-accredited entity to administer GRE, lELTS, TOEFL, etc., as to the pre-qualified
applicants endorsed by the RDI and PMCO; provided that pre-qualified applicants who have passed
the said exams are entitled to cost reimbursement.
2. Review the shortlisted applicants to ensure consistency with National Science and Technology
Human Resource Development (S&T HRD) priorities and programs and completeness of
documentary requirements.
3. Endorse the recommended scholars to PCARI Scholarships Committee for approval.
4. Notify successful scholarship applicants.
5. Prepare the scholarship contract for the execution by all parties concerned.
VII.

DURATION OF SCHOLARSHIP

The duration of the scholarship will depend on the course program of the delivering institution which
may be extended as requested provided that the total period of extension shall not exceed one year,
subject to the approval of the Scholarships Advisory Council upon recommendation of the Scholarships

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Committee; provided further, that such extension shall not apply to the Stand-alone Master's Sandwich
program.
Subject to the approval of the Scholarships Advisory Council, scholar s may be allowed to go on leave
of absence (LOA) not exceeding one (1) semester, which may be extended for another semester. During
the course of the LOA, the scholar is not entitled to any of the scholarship privileges. The privileges
will be restored once the scholar returns from the LOA.

VIII.

SCHOLARSHIP PRIVILEGES

Grantees shall be entitled to the following privileges subject to the evaluation and approval of the
PCARI Scholarships Committee.
Expense
Items

Tuition and
other fees*
Transportatio
n Allowance*

Living
Allowance/
Stipend

Dissemination
/ Conference
Attendance
Grant*

Local

Foreign

Masters

Doctorate

Sandwich

Masters

Doctorate

Postdoc/
Sandwich

Actual

Actual

Actual

Actual

Actual

Actual

1 roundtrip

1 roundtrip

1 roundtrip

1 roundtrip

1 roundtrip

1 roundtrip

ticket/year at

ticket/year at

ticket/year at

Economy

Economy

Economy

actual cost

actual cost

actual cost

airfare/year at

airfare/year at

airfare/year at

actual cost

actual cost

actual cost

Php

Php

Based on t h e

Based on t h e

B a s e d o n t h e Cost

Based on t h e

20,000/month

28,000/month

C o s t of Living

Cost of Living in

of Living in t h e

Cost of Living in

in t h e a r e a

the area

area

the area

NA

u p t o USD 2 , 5 0 0

u p t o USD 2 , 5 0 0

u p t o USD 2 , 5 0 0

up to Php

up to Php

130,000/year

180,000/year

Book and
Other
Allowances

Php 20,000/year

Php 30,000/year

NA

USD 6 1 3 / s e m

USD 6 1 3 / s e m

NA

Travel/
Medical
Insurance*

Actual f o r a

Actual f o r a

Actual f o r a

Actual f o r a

Actual for a

Actual f o r a

maximum

maximum

maximum

maximum

maximum

maximum

c o v e r a g e of

c o v e r a g e of

c o v e r a g e of

c o v e r a g e of

Phpl,000,000.00

Phpl.OOO,000.00

c o v e r a g e of
Phpl.OOO,000.00

Phpl.OOO,000.00

Phpl,000,000.00

c o v e r a g e of
Phpl.OOC.000,00

up to Php 2000

up to Php 2000

NA

u p t o USD 3 0 0

u p t o USD 3 0 0

NA

NA

NA

Application
and Other
Fees*
Thesis/
Dissertation/
Special
Project Grant

Contingency;
Other Related
Expenses /
Miscellaneous
/ Cost of
Living
Allowance
Adjustments*

up to Php

up to Php

70,000.00

140,000.00

(5% of T o t a l

(5% o f T o t a l Cost)

Cost)

up to Php

up to Php

70,000.00

140,000.00

(5% o f T o t a l

(5% o f T o t a l

(5% of Total Cost)

Cost)

Cost)

Note: *Suhject to liquidation, **Subject to approval of the Scholarships Committee.

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(5% o f T o t a l
Cost)