TESDA called out for delayed scholars’ allowance

The Commission on Audit called out the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for the delayed release of scholarship allowances worth P94 million in 2022, depriving scholars of financial assistance during their training.

In its annual report, CoA revealed five regional TESDA offices had delayed the release of the scholarship allowances totaling P94 million, with the most overdue reported for 240 days.

The setback, CoA said, contravened TESDA Circular No. 40, mandating the timely issuance of scholarship allowances.

State auditors pointed out that the overdue not only deprived the eligible scholars but also undermined the ultimate objective of TESDA of ensuring that any financial constraints should not hamper scholars until they complete the training programs they enrolled in.

 Furthermore, audit findings revealed that TESDA also recorded a delay in the release of scholarship allowances in NCR-PasMak

(Pasay-Makati), which CoA said resulted in the recurring problem of stale checks and their subsequent cancellation since the whereabouts of the scholars are no longer known.

"In CYs 2019-2022, a total of 3,615 checks for allowances became stale and canceled with an aggregate cost of P21,690," CoA said.

 According to the state auditing body, the delay in the allowance release was attributable to the voluminous transactions in the district offices.

Nonetheless, CoA ordered TESDA to strictly comply with the timely release of scholarship allowances pursuant to TESDA Circular No. 040 and keep a close eye to ensure its timely release as part of the scholarship grant.

TESDA, however, told auditors that while they strictly adhere to the circular, certain variables played a role in delays, including the late submission of the billing statement.

Regarding the stale checks, TESDA said they encountered difficulty locating the scholars due to the unavailability of contact information.

But the CoA did not buy TESDA's admission, stressing that the concerned offices should at least institute alternative remedial measures to detour the wastage of government resources.