DOST-10 has partnered with the Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School for the establishment of the 21st Century Learning Environment Model (CLEM) which enables enhanced student learning and teaching methods through technology integration. (Photo courtesy of DOST-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Northern Mindanao is advancing science and technology (S&T) education by offering scholarships and developing smart classrooms.
During the March 25 Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, DOST Regional Director Romela N. Ratilla reported that in 2024, scholarship programs benefited 1,594 undergraduate students, with Lanao del Norte having 570 scholars.
DOST offers the RA 7687 Scholarship for Grade 12 students from low-income households who demonstrate strong academic performance in S&T subjects and the Merit Scholarship for students with high aptitude in science and mathematics.
DOST Assistant Director Virgilio M. Fuertes said this scholarship covers tuition, a P8,000 monthly stipend, and clothing allowance.
The Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) is available for incoming third-year students in DOST’s identified S&T priority courses, regardless of socio-economic status. Fuertes said this scholarship is also open to students who did not apply for a DOST scholarship in their first year but intend to complete their studies.
2016 JLSS scholar Sprinztsie Maye T. Garrucha said the scholarship helped her overcome financial challenges, allowing her to complete her studies.
“Dili man gyud mi financially stable. Sa una, mag-tuon ko pero mag huna-huna ko nga basin wala ko’y ibayad nga tuition pagka-ugma, so ma-useless ang akong pagtuon. But then pag-abot sa DOST, murag nawala to siya nga concern,” she said.
(We’re not really financially stable. Before, I would study, but then I would worry about not having money to pay for tuition the next day, so my studying felt useless. But when the DOST scholarship came, that concern disappeared.)
Garrucha now serves as chairperson of the Computer Engineering Department at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, which she considers her way of paying the generosity extended to her by the DOST.
Smart classrooms
DOST is also collaborating with local governments to implement “smart classrooms,” utilizing education technology systems to improve the S&T learning experience.
In partnership with the City Government of Cagayan de Oro and the Department of Education, DOST piloted the Wela School System in Puntod National High School and P.N. ROA National High School.
Ratilla said 101 teachers have been trained to use the system, which automates school processes, digitalizes tasks, and allows parents to monitor their children’s progress through a mobile app.
DOST is also working with the Lanao del Norte Provincial School Board and Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School to establish the 21st Century Learning Environment Model (CLEM), which integrates various technologies to enhance student learning and teaching methods.
Science is fun
The DOST’s educational initiatives aim to make science and technology more appealing to future learners.
“Science can be fun. I’m confident that more will pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses, especially now that the development of technology has become very advanced,” Ratilla said.
She also urged parents to encourage their children to pursue STEM courses, as these fields are essential for innovation, which is a key strategy for national development. (GDA/PIA-10)
