By Gabriela Baron
A total of 10,487 students qualified as new science scholars of the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI).
DOST-SEI postponed the national scholarship qualifying examination for two consecutive years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To identify the qualifiers, the Institute employed data analytics and proxy indicators in place of the exam.
Of this year’s batch of qualifiers, 5,567 qualified under the RA 7687 Scholarship Program – scholarships for students with high aptitude for science coming from economically disadvantaged families, while 4,920 qualified under the Merit Scholarship Program.
“The Institute is pleased to award these scholarships to these students who have indicated interest in careers in S&T [science and technology]. They have been the core part of our mandate since SEI’s foundation 35 years ago,” DOST-SEI Director Josette Biyo said.
“We believe that this year’s batch of qualifiers will add to the pool of highly qualified scientists and engineers in the future and will take active participation and leadership roles especially in S&T research and development (R&D) activities,” Biyo said.
To avail the scholarship award, qualifiers must enroll in identified priority S&T courses in state universities and colleges, or in private higher education institutions recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as Centers of Excellence or Centers of Development, or with at least Level III accreditation from the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines for the priority S&T courses.
Qualifiers who will avail of the program are entitled to full benefits of the scholarship for the whole duration of their programs of study, including monthly stipend of P7,000, tuition fee subsidy of up tp P40,000 per academic year for those who will enroll in private institutions, and learning materials and/or connectivity allowance, among others.
“Aside from the financial benefits that the scholars enjoy, the Institute has support programs which can help them grow holistically and become productive citizens of the country. We are more than happy to welcome them to the S&T community and to support them as they pursue their S&T degree programs,” Biyo added.
DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said he is optimistic that the new scholars will eventually be a significant addition to the country’s pool of S&T experts.
“In four or five years, these scholars will become S&T professionals who will be working on basic and innovative R&D activities and S&T services and eventually become leaders in various industry sectors,” de la Peña said.
DOST-SEI scholars are required to render service in the country after graduation, preferably along their fields of specialization, for a period equivalent to the number of years they enjoyed the scholarship. – ag
