Scholarships are one of the stepping stones students need to make their dreams come true.
This step is now very significant for the 216 Pangasinan students who qualified in the recent 2024 Undergraduate Scholarship Examination of the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI).
Stephanie Joy Ragudo, a qualifier from Brgy. Bonuan Gueset in Dagupan City, who is aspiring to take up a Bachelor of Science major in Biology, said that she was very grateful that the government has scholarship programs that support hopeful students like her.
“Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat sa DOST scholarship dahil meron po silang programang ganito na makakatulong sa mga estudyante na tulad ko na maabot ang aming mga pangarap,” said Ragudo.
(I am thankful for the DOST scholarship because they have a program like this that helps students like me reach their dreams.)
As a qualifier for the DOST scholarship program, she promised to strive to complete her chosen course and contribute to the country’s development through public service.
Jamela Myles Meneses, a qualifier from Brgy. Tapuac is a senior high school graduate of Dagupan City National High School (DCNHS) who aspires to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Physics.
She expressed that the scholarship program will significantly support her education and alleviate the financial burden on her parents.
“Noong nakita ko ‘yong name ko sa list ng DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship passers, I was very emotional and grateful dahil as someone who wants to pursue college from a financially struggling family, sobrang laking tulong ng financial support ng DOST,” she shared.
(When I saw my name on the list of DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship passers, I was deeply emotional and grateful. Coming from a financially struggling family, the financial support from DOST is a tremendous help as I pursue my college education.)
Ragudo and Meneses were among the 2,883 Grade 12 students across the province who took the DOST qualifying examination at four testing centers, namely, Alaminos City, Lingayen, Dagupan City, and Urdaneta City, on April 6 and 7, 2024.
According to Bernalyn Martinez, Science Research Specialist II of DOST Pangasinan, 126 students earned their places through Republic Act 7687, benefiting academically talented individuals from financially challenged families.
Martinez added that 90 students also qualified under the DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship, which is awarded to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics.
“Qualifiers must enroll in a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in one of the priority S&T courses at a state university or college, or any private higher education institution recognized by the Commission on Higher Education,” she said.
Martinez said qualifiers for the program may enjoy scholarship privileges such as P40,000 for tuition and other school fees per academic year; P8,000 monthly living allowance; P10,000 for learning materials every year; P1,000 clothing allowance for the first year in the first semester; transportation allowance for those studying outside of their home province; P10,000 thesis allowance; premium group health and accident insurance; and a P1,000 graduation allowance.
She said if a mid-year term is required in the student’s curriculum, qualifiers will also receive P10,000 for tuition and other school fees; P2,000 for learning materials and/or connectivity allowance; and P8,000 for their monthly living allowance.
Martinez explained that the program aims to inspire and encourage talented Filipino youth to pursue careers in science and technology, ensuring a strong supply of qualified S&T professionals to advance the nation.
In achieving their dreams through the 2024 DOST S&T scholarship, Pangasinan qualifiers are hopeful to show the transformative impact of education and government support on aspiring students and the nation’s future. (AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)
