DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — A total of 96 out of 1,566 Grade 12 senior high school students from Negros Oriental passed the qualifying examination held nationwide this year for Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) undergraduate science and technology scholarships.
Of the 96 scholars, 39 students are qualified under the Merit category and 57 under the RA 7687 or poor but deserving student category.
The qualifiers come from 19 cities and municipalities in the province, namely: Dumaguete City (43); Sibulan (11); Bayawan City (8); Bais (7); Guihulngan City (4); Valencia (4); Manjuyod (3); Santa Catalina (3); Canlaon City (2); Amlan (2); La Libertad (1); Bindoy (1); Dauin (1); Tanjay City (1); Pamplona (1); San Jose (1); Bacong (1); Zamboanguita (1); and Siaton (1).
One of the scholars under RA 7687, James Jharret Abringe of Dumaguete Science High School, is an incoming college student who successfully passed the DOST scholarship exam, shared that this scholarship presents a significant opportunity for him.
Tertiary education in the Philippines can be quite costly, particularly for underprivileged families like his.
“So that’s what I was thinking na if I want to enjoy my college years, I also want to find a place where quality education resides. So mao ng ni-apply kog DOST kay I know that it will aid me and my family jud, especially sa akong mga needs sa school pangdugang sa tuition and pangdugang sa mga galastuan, miscellaneous,” Abringe said.
(So that’s what I was thinking, that if I want to enjoy my college years, I also want to find a place where quality education resides. That’s why I applied for the DOST scholarship because I know it will really aid me and my family, especially with my school needs, like additional funds for tuition and other expenses, miscellaneous.)
Besides ensuring the right academic program is chosen and that it is academically challenging, the expenses can be quite overwhelming, especially for students who reside far from their selected universities.
“What motivated me is because of my family background. Like what I said earlier, we’re not that privileged. So I am also trying different scholarships that could aid me through my college years,” he added.
The qualifying exam was conducted in six testing centers distributed throughout the province.
This year’s passing rate dipped from last year’s 9.40 percent passing rate.
According to Marjorie Solon, science research specialist of DOST here, the passing rate for Region 7 this year is 8.09 percent (798 out of 9,858 examinees) and 12.02 percent (10,756 out of 89,510 examinees) for the national level.
Scholarship benefits include monthly allowances, tuition fee support, book allowances, and other subsidies.
Solon said that besides financial benefits, scholars will also be invited to participate in programs and projects of the DOST-SEI, DOST Negros Oriental PSTO, and DOST Scholars’ Association that could develop their leadership and technical skills and build their social networks.
DOST offers comprehensive support to its scholars, including coverage of tuition and other school fees, monthly living and book allowances, and financial assistance for transportation, uniforms, thesis/dissertation work, and graduation attire.
Scholars also receive group health and accident insurance and support for summer classes if required by their curriculum.
This ensures they can focus on their studies without financial concerns, fostering careers in science and technology.
“I would like to thank them for they have helped. Through P8,000 per month, they have helped students both privileged and underprivileged to help or aid their tertiary education. Especially nga at this time medyo galisod pod ang, di man pod tanan pero naa jud uban nga galisod jud karun so it will be a great help for them pod and for us pod diay na dili kaayo in ana ka privileged,” said Abringe.
(Especially now, when times are somewhat tough for some people – there are really some who are struggling right now – so it will be a great help for them and for us who are not very privileged.)
Currently, Abringe is still deliberating on the best academic program to pursue, considering options such as a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, or a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration.
To avail of those benefits mentioned, the qualifiers will first have to undergo a comprehensive virtual orientation on S&T scholarship policies and procedures and sign the scholarship contract, said Solon.
Details about the orientation schedule, along with the notice of award and a list of any outstanding requirements, will be emailed to the qualifiers’ registered email addresses.
Annually, DOST-SEI conducts a qualifying exam for undergraduate scholarship applicants.
This is in line with their mandate to build up the country’s pool of researchers, scientists, and engineers.
Interested applicants for DOST Scholarships can visit the SEI website at https://www.sei.dost.gov.ph/ for details about requirements and qualifications, and/or follow the DOST Negros Oriental Facebook page for updates on the status of scholarship availability. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from Joriz Angel Palermo, SU Intern)
