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The ISCHO Online Application System Privacy Statement aims to inform you of the ways the application system collects, uses, processes, and secures information you provide for the purpose of applying for a SEARCA scholarship. Study posts/universities and funding institutions/agencies may have different privacy policies which you may visit in line with the scholarship program you are applying.
This privacy statement covers the disclosure, use, processing, and security of information that will be collected every time an individual applies for a SEARCA scholarship program.
SEARCA collects and uses information and documents voluntarily provided by applicants as a matter of necessity in evaluating, considering, granting scholarship awards, and endorsing the scholars to the study posts/universities and/or funding institutions/agencies. Information and supporting documents that SEARCA collects vary depending on the scholarship program. All information provided by the applicants will be kept confidential.
Personal information such as nationality and date of birth are collected to assess if the applicants meet the general eligibility criteria of SEARCA scholarships such as:
Additional identifiable personal information such as full name, complete address, contact number, and email address allows SEARCA to contact the applicant to confirm receipt of information, request additional information, schedule scholarship interview/evaluation, and other forms of communication necessary to administer the scholarship application, evaluation, and awarding process. An updated Curriculum Vitae shall also be requested from the applicant.
Scholarship applicants are asked to provide their academic background (Bachelor's and/or Master's degree) for SEARCA to evaluate the relevance of the previous field of study to the proposed field of study. This would guarantee that the applicant has the necessary background to pursue and finish a graduate degree. Proof of academic background such as original or certified true copy of transcript of academic records and certificates of completion/diploma for every degree completed shall also be requested.
Scholarship applicants are asked to provide their employment history such as position, name of institution/employer, duties and responsibilities, and year/s of service. These information are used to determine their potential contribution to the region once they have acquired their graduate degrees and returned to their post. A recommendation from the employer/supervisor/professor may be asked to vouch for the applicants' good moral character, academic, and professional capabilities. A certificate of employment may also be requested as proof of active employment upon application for the scholarship.
Scholarship applicants are asked to provide details of the research they have carried out and the publications they have authored/co-authored such as the title of research/publication and the year it was published/conducted. These information are used to evaluate their capacity to contribute to the field of study in agriculture and rural development as well as conduct their thesis/dissertation which is the final requirement of their graduate studies.
Scholarship applicants are asked to provide the results of their IELTS or TOEFL iBT in the past two years. The information is used to determine their capacity to communicate effectively and efficiently in writing and orally in graduate level courses. A copy of the official IELTS or TOEFL iBT test results will be requested as proof of English language proficiency.
Scholarship applicants are asked to provide a certification from a medical doctor that they are in good physical and mental health condition and is fit to undertake and finish their graduate studies.
Scholarship applicants are asked to provide their planned research proposal which includes the title, background of the study, problem statement, objectives, and planned methodology. The information will be used to determine if the applicant's proposed research for thesis/dissertation is in line with SEARCA's thrust.
Scholarship applicants will be able to view, change, update, and remove some of their information associated with their application upon request at gsid@searca.org.
Withdrawal of application may be requested from gsid@searca.org and SEARCA will delete the whole application submission. Scholarship applicants have the right to withdraw their application any time during the application, evaluation, and awarding process.
Any change or deletion of data, however, may affect SEARCA's evaluation and granting of scholarships.
SEARCA collects, stores, and processes information and documents voluntarily provided in the ISCHO online application system only for the purpose for which it was collected.
Information provided by applicants will be accessible to the evaluator/s for the purpose of assessing the credentials of the applicants and generating a sound recommendation on the awarding or rejection of scholarship grants. Recommendation for the awarding of scholarships is made by the Graduate Scholarship and Institutional Development Unit, Education and Collective Learning Department, SEARCA, and external funding agencies/institutions if applicable. Final decision for the awarding of scholarships is made by the Director of SEARCA.
Information provided by applicants who were not awarded the scholarship grant shall be deleted from the ISCHO online application system upon issuance of rejection letters.
Information provided by scholarship awardees during their application shall be retained in the system for the duration of their scholarship and shall be deleted after clearance from SEARCA.
Information provided by cleared scholars in the Alumni Update Form shall be retained for the purpose of extending invitations to learning events and other activities conducted/organized/co-organized/endorsed by SEARCA.
SEARCA may transfer information such as applicant's name, preferred study post, and degree program with major field to a funding institution and/or university where applicants are applying, solely for the purpose of scholarship consideration or university admission. The third party will be instructed that such information cannot be used for other purposes.
SEARCA takes technical and organizational measures to protect your information against accidental or unlawful destruction or accidental loss, alteration, unauthorized disclosure or access. We employ several physical and electronic safeguards to keep your information safe. SEARCA uses browser encryption, store data on servers in secure facilities, and implement systematic processes and procedures for securing and storing data. Furthermore, we conduct regular monitoring of access logs and continuously train our employees on cybersecurity. We likewise limit access to your personal information to only those with authorized access who need to know the information in order to perform their jobs and duties.
However, no method of transmission over the Internet, and no means of electronic or physical storage, is absolutely secure, and thus we cannot ensure or warrant the security of that information.
For complaints, concerns, and questions regarding the information disclosed in the ISCHO online application system, the Data Protection Officer may be reached at:
Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)
College, Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines
T: (+63-49) 536-2290 / (+63-2) 8657-1300 to 1302
Scholarship applicants may exercise their rights as stated in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 10173 known as the “Data Privacy Act of 2012” stipulated in VIII. Rights of Data Subjects, Section 3. Rights of the Data Subject.
I consent and authorize SEARCA to use all the information I will provide in the ISCHO online application system for the purpose of evaluating my scholarship application and administering the scholarship program should I be awarded the scholarship.
I understand that SEARCA may disclose my information to the following external parties:
I understand that failure to provide my consent to the collection, use, processing, and disclosure of my information may restrict SEARCA in granting scholarships and providing endorsements to the funding agency and university regarding my scholarship application.
I consent to the terms stipulated in this privacy statement.