Introduction

The School's policy for handling the data it collects, uses, shares, and/or processes is described in this Data Privacy Notice. To ensure the privacy, safety, security, and responsible use of your personal data, VHA is committed to complying with Philippine Republic Act No. 10173, better known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA). VHA respects your right to privacy. In general, VHA will only share your personal information with third parties with your permission and in compliance with applicable laws.

Under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (DPA-IRR), personal information may be processed or disclosed when required for VHA to comply with a legal obligation; to protect your vital interests, such as life and health; to respond to a national emergency; to maintain public order and safety; to fulfill the duties of public authority; or to serve the School's legitimate interests.

Sensitive personal data (such as personal data sheets, private educational records, age, birthday, civil status, health, ethnicity, etc.) may be processed or disclosed with the data owner's consent if legally permitted. Additionally, under certain regulatory laws, such as the Education Act of 1982, parents have the right to access the educational records of their children under their care without requiring the data subject's consent. In cases of medical treatment, when the data subject cannot physically or legally provide consent, processing is permitted to protect the life and health of the data subject or another person, to establish, exercise, or defend legal claims, or when required by government or public authorities.

Rest assured, only authorized VHA personnel are permitted to process your personal information as part of their official duties.

What Data Does VHA Collect, Acquire, or Generate?

VHA collects, acquires, and generates your personal data in various forms and methods. These may include, but are not limited to, written records, photographs, video recordings, and digital materials.

1. Information Provided During Application: When you applied to VHA, you supplied us with information through the application form, which you completed, submitted, and duly signed.

• Name
• Home address,
• E-mail address,
• Contact number,
• Other contact details,
• Date of birth,
• Place of birth,
• Sex,

• Birthday,
• Civil status,
• Religion,
• Citizenship,
• Family background,
• Academic background,
• Medical records,
• Other documents you provide,

2. Information Provided During Your Application: When you applied to VHA, you provided us with information through the application form that you completed, submitted, and signed.

• Academic activities
• Medical information
• Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities,
• Service Record
• Other information you provide

How Does VHA Use Your Personal Data?

To the fullest extent allowed or required by law and with your consent, VHA may use your personal information to pursue its legitimate objectives and interests as a higher educational institution. This includes a range of academic, administrative, research, and statistical purposes.

• To evaluate applications to the School;
• To process confirmations of acceptance into the School;
• To gather and maintain records of employees, students, alumni, and clients of the School;
• To investigate and report violations and misconduct within the School;
• To compile and maintain information for directories and alumni records;
• To generate data for statistical and research purposes;
• To provide advice and assistance regarding your physical health, emotional, and psychological welfare;
• To offer support related to information technology, library services, and sports and recreation activities;
• To disseminate official School communications;

How Will VHA Share, Disclose, or Transfer Your Personal Data?

With your consent or as required by law, VHA may share, disclose, or transfer your personal data to other individuals or organizations to protect your interests and/or pursue the School’s legitimate interests as a higher educational institution.

• To notify relevant parties regarding admission to the School;
• To share information with authorized individuals or as prescribed by law, or as determined by the School, to promote your best interests and ensure your health, safety, and security, or that of others;
• To share information with donors, funders, or benefactors to encourage contributions for scholarships, grants, and other forms of assistance;
• To publish a graduation brochure for distribution to donors, funders, or benefactors;
• To inform the National Privacy Commission (NPC) and other government bodies or agencies (e.g., Department of Education (DepEd), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Civil Service Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Legal Education Board (LEB), Supreme Court (SC), and others) when required or allowed by law;
• To comply with court orders, subpoenas, and/or other legal obligations;
• To conduct research or surveys for the development of the School;
• To feature photos, videos, and other information to advertise the School, its activities, and events through marketing or advertising materials, such as brochures, website posts, newspaper advertisements, physical and electronic bulletin boards, and other media;
• To stream live events and activities of the School;
• To publish information through news or feature articles in School publications and social media sites;

How Will VHA Store and Retain Your Personal Data?

All information and data are securely stored and transmitted in various paper and electronic formats, including databases shared among different offices or units of the School. Access to information and data is limited to authorized personnel and staff who have a legitimate interest in them for the purpose of carrying out their duties and functions. Rest assured, the School will prevent excessive use of your personal data.

Under the law, the School is required to permanently retain student and employee records, including the information contained therein. Accordingly, no personal information may be destroyed unless permitted by law. If destruction is allowed, it must be documented in writing by the concerned office. Unauthorized destruction should be reported to the Data Protection Officer (DPO) or any member of the VHA Data Privacy Response Team.

VHA may periodically update this Policy. When changes occur, we will inform you through the School’s website and, when permissible, other means of communication. Any modifications are effective immediately upon posting on the website.