DOST scholarship at an all-time high

with 8,994 new S&T scholars

25 March 2018

The DOST-SEI scholarship program has reached a record-

breaking number of qualified students, which is beneficial for
both the students and the country’s need for more science and
technology professionals.

Thousands of aspiring scientists and engineers will enter

college with a Department of Science and Technology -
Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholarship stamp. The
country’s premier science scholarship program, back after a
two-year hiatus due to the implementation of the K-12
Curriculum, announced 8,994 new qualifiers for its RA 7687
and Merit Scholarship programs. Out of the total number of
passers, 5,172 qualified as scholars under the RA 7687
Scholarship Program, scholarships for gifted students who
belong to economically disadvantaged families; while 3,822
passed under the DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program.

It’s a record-breaking year for DOST-SEI as the number of

qualified students reached the highest mark since the
scholarship program started. 1958, surpassing 2015’s 5,303
qualifiers by 69.60 percent. The 2018 DOST-SEI Scholarships
Examination, which was held on October 15, 2017 in 216 test
centers nationwide, recorded the highest number of
examinees with 46,434 students. Municipalities and
congressional districts covered by the DOST-SEI Scholarship
Program also increased from 1,568 in 2015 to 1,609 this year
representing 97 percent of the country's total number of
municipalities and congressional districts.

These new S&T scholars, as well as the on-going scholars, will

be enjoying the new stipend rate at P7,000/month across all
disciplines. They are also entitled to tuition fee subsidy; book
allowance; MS/PE clothing allowance; one economy-class
roundtrip fare per year for those studying outside of their home
province; and group accident insurance.
DOST Secretary Fortunato De La Peña said the increase in
number of DOST scholars is not only favorable to the qualifiers
and their families but also to our country where more S&T
professionals are needed in addressing a number of national
concerns.

“A few years from now, these students will become key

players in the country’s development,” De La Peña said. “We
hope that the DOST scholarship programs can help them
pursue their dreams in the S&T field of their choice.”

The scholarship qualifiers must enroll in any of the University

of The Philippines campus; or in state universities and
colleges; or private higher education institutions recognized by
the Commission on Higher Education as Centers of Excellence
or Centers of Development; or with Federation of Accrediting
Agencies of the Philippines Level III accreditation for the S&T
priority programs they will enrol in. The list of priority S&T
programs can be found in the SEI website.

Dr. Josette T. Biyo, DOST-SEI Director, said the scholarship

programs are particularly structured for potential science and
mathematics professionals. DOST scholarship will provide
greater opportunity as they pursue their science degrees and
careers.

DOST-SEI scholars are required to render service in the

country preferably along their fields of specialization after
graduation for a period equivalent to the number of years they
enjoyed the scholarship as a return service. SEI maintains its
resolve that this strategy allows the country’s industries to
have “the best minds” to do their services and products.

“DOST scholarship has always been geared towards using S&T

to serve the Filipino people,” Biyo said. “We hope our new
qualifiers would take on that challenge as early as now.” (30)
 -ANNISSA J. PACALDO ST12P3

REFLECTION

As I read the article about the DOST-SEI Scholarship, I’ve gained

heartening and inspiring profound insights about the Philippines' Department
of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute's. It highlights
remarkable efforts to promote education in science and technology, especially
among economically disadvantaged students. The fact that the program is
making a comeback after a hiatus and has seen a record number of qualified
scholars is indeed a cause for celebration. It is impressive to see the dedication
to expanding educational opportunities in science and technology to nearly all
municipalities and congressional districts in the country. This action not only
gives worthy students with the financial assistance they require, but it also
encourages them to seek jobs in subjects essential to the development of the
nation. It's heartening to witness the government's investment in the future of
science and technology professionals.
 The demand that academics serve the country in their various disciplines
after graduation is a smart way to ensure that the nation benefits from the
investment made in their education. It aligns perfectly with the program's
mission to use science and technology to serve the Filipino people.

This article made me realize that DOST-SEI is a story of hope, progress,

and gratitude for the opportunities being extended to deserving students,
ultimately contributing to the development and prosperity of the Philippines.

-ANNISSA J. PACALDO ST12P3