The Commission on Higher Education – Negros Island Region (CHED-NIR) has opened applications for Batch VI of the Scholarship for Instructors' Knowledge Advancement Program (SIKAP), targeting teaching and non-teaching personnel from Higher Education Institutions across the Negros Island Region.
According to the official announcement released this week, qualified applicants have until April 27, 2026, to submit their complete application requirements through their respective Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
The SIKAP program provides financial assistance to faculty and staff members who wish to pursue Master's or Doctorate degrees in CHED-recognized graduate programs offered by accredited Delivering Higher Education Institutions (DHEIs) within the region.
Six Participating Universities Offer Graduate Programs
CHED-NIR has designated six accredited institutions as Delivering Higher Education Institutions for the SIKAP Batch VI program. These universities will serve as the venues where scholarship recipients can pursue their advanced degrees.
The participating institutions include Carlos Hilado Memorial State University – Main (CHMSU) and Central Philippine State University – Main (CPSU), both state universities offering various graduate programs. Private institutions in the program comprise University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos (UNO-R) and University of St. La Salle – Bacolod, located in Negros Occidental.
From Negros Oriental, two prestigious institutions are participating: St. Paul University Dumaguete (SPUD) and Silliman University, both located in Dumaguete City. These institutions have established graduate programs recognized by CHED and maintain accreditation status required for the scholarship program.
Application Process Through Home Institutions
The Commission emphasizes that all applications must be channeled through the applicants' respective home institutions rather than direct submission to CHED-NIR. This process ensures proper institutional endorsement and verification of employment status.
Interested applicants can access detailed information and download official application forms through the CHED website at https://ched.gov.ph/faculty-grants. The portal contains comprehensive guidelines, eligibility requirements, and documentary requirements for the scholarship program.
CHED-NIR has established multiple communication channels for inquiries related to the SIKAP program. Interested parties can reach the regional office through landline numbers (034) 475-4624 for Negros Occidental inquiries and (035) 523-5561 for Negros Oriental concerns.
Mobile and Email Support Available
The Commission has also provided a dedicated mobile number 0939-833-7421 (SMART network) for immediate assistance. Additionally, a specialized email address sikapgrant.nir@ched.gov.ph has been established specifically for SIKAP-related inquiries and concerns.
The multi-channel communication approach reflects CHED-NIR's commitment to ensuring accessibility for potential applicants across both provinces of the Negros Island Region. The separate contact numbers for each province facilitate easier access for faculty members based in different locations.
Program Targets Faculty Development
The SIKAP program represents CHED's strategic initiative to enhance the academic qualifications of higher education personnel throughout the Philippines. By focusing on faculty development, the program aims to improve the overall quality of higher education instruction and research capabilities.
Both teaching and non-teaching personnel are eligible for the scholarship, recognizing that administrative and support staff also play crucial roles in the higher education ecosystem. This inclusive approach ensures that various sectors within HEIs can benefit from advanced degree opportunities.
The program specifically targets graduate-level education, supporting both Master's and Doctorate degree pursuits. This dual-level approach accommodates personnel at different stages of their academic careers and professional development needs.
Regional Focus on Educational Excellence
The Negros Island Region has emerged as a significant educational hub in the Visayas, with numerous state and private universities offering diverse academic programs. The SIKAP initiative builds on this educational infrastructure by investing in human resource development.
CHMSU and CPSU represent the state university sector, providing accessible higher education options with strong community ties. These institutions often serve as primary higher education providers for students from various municipalities across Negros Occidental.
Private institutions like UNO-R and University of St. La Salle – Bacolod bring additional academic diversity and specialized programs to the regional education landscape. Their participation in SIKAP demonstrates the collaborative approach between public and private sectors in faculty development.
Dumaguete Institutions Strengthen Negros Oriental Presence
The inclusion of St. Paul University Dumaguete and Silliman University ensures that Negros Oriental faculty have accessible options for graduate study. Both institutions have established reputations for academic excellence and research productivity.
Silliman University, as one of the oldest American university foundations in Asia, brings extensive experience in graduate education and research supervision. The institution's long-standing academic traditions and international connections provide valuable resources for scholarship recipients.
St. Paul University Dumaguete complements the regional offerings with its specialized programs and commitment to values-based education. The institution's participation expands the range of academic disciplines available to SIKAP scholars.
April 27 Deadline Approaches
With the application deadline set for April 27, 2026, potential applicants have limited time to prepare their complete documentation and secure institutional endorsement. The timeline requires prompt action from interested faculty and staff members.
CHED-NIR's announcement encourages eligible personnel to begin the application process immediately, considering the administrative requirements and institutional processing time needed before the deadline.
The program's batch system indicates CHED's commitment to providing regular opportunities for faculty development, with Batch VI representing the latest iteration of this ongoing educational investment initiative.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of CHED-NIR