SIQUIJOR, Siquijor (PIA) — At least seven students from the province passed the Department of Science and Technology Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI) Undergraduate Scholarships Program for 2024.
They are part of the 10,756 students who qualified out of 89,510 aspiring scholars who took the pen-and-paper qualifying examination on April-6-7, 2024 in 205 test centers nationwide.
In a statement, DOST-Siquijor senior science research specialist and information officer designate Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing said three Siquijor students have secured Merit Scholarships, namely, Melissa Andrea R. Fua from Silliman University, and Jehan Joane M. Jumalon and Nean Therese T. Manginsay from Siquijor Provincial Science High School.
Abing said four students were awarded scholarships under Republic Act No. 7687, namely: Christianery Khim B. Guzman from the Siquijor State College, and Miguel Luis Jumawan, Joyce Ann A. Picot, and Kristel Joy O. Salac from the Siquijor Provincial Science High School.
Provincial science and techonology director Engr. Mario E. de la Peña said the students’ achievement reflects not only their individual brilliance but also the supportive environment fostered by their families, schools, and communities.
“We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their future contributions to our nation’s scientific and technological sectors. Their success is a testament to the potential that exists within our province,” de la Peña said.
The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarships serve as a cornerstone in nurturing future science and technology leaders.
These scholarships provide comprehensive financial aid, encompassing tuition fees, book allowances, and other academic expenses.
“Nalipay kaayo ko kay advantage kaayo para nako. Aside sa monthly allowance, naa pud subsidy sa tuition fee, so dili na kaayo ko magproblema kay ug naa man galing pulun-an kon moeskwela siya sa private school, dili na kaayo dako,” said 52 year-old Pinky Jumawan, mother of Miguel Luis Jumawan.
(I am very happy because it is advantageous for me. Aside from the monthly allowance, there is also a subsidy for the tuition fee so that if ever my son goes to a private school, I don’t have to pay that much.)
Miguel is thankful that he qualified for the scholarship, saying that it will help him financially should he decide to study in a private school.
“Thankful kay tabang gyud kaayo, daghan kaayo ang mga benefits, allowance, aside from subsidy sa tuition fee, makatabang gyud if ever moeskwela ko sa private school. Matabangan gyud ko if ever moeskwela ko sa private school,” he said.
“I am thankful because (the scholarship) really helps. There are a lot of benefits, allowances, aside from tuition fee subsidy. It will really help especially if I opt to go to a private school.)
Miguel is eyeing to take up Computer Science Course but have yet to decide which school to attend.
According to DOST, the incoming college freshmen qualifiers are set to enjoy their scholarship benefits in the first semester of the academic year 2024-2025.
Scholarship privileges for regular academic year include the actual fees of up to P40,000 per year for tuition fees and other school fees for scholars enrolled in private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs); P10,000 for learning materials and/or connectivity allowance; P8,000 monthly living allowance; P10,000 thesis allowance as well as one economy-class round trip fare, premium group accident and health insurance, and graduation allowance.
Financial assistance during the mid-year term will also be provided if enrolment is required by the curriculum.
DOST said the program fosters a ripple effect, inspiring future generations of Siquijor students to embrace science and technology fields and contribute to the nation’s sustainable development and innovation.
Republic Act No. 7687, also known as the “Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994”, empowers students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue priority fields in science and technology.
The DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program, formerly known as the NSDB or NSTA Scholarship under RA No. 2067, is awarded to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics and are willing to pursue careers in the fields of science and technology. (RAC/PIA7 Siquijor with reports from Engr. Reinhol Jek Y. Abing, Senior SRS, information officer-designate, DOST Siquijor PSTO)
