A total of 9,788 graduating senior high school students were announced this morning as the new science ambassadors of the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and the S&T Scholarship Division-Science Education Institute.
DOST social media posted the list of the scholarship qualifiers early morning of March 29, 2020, welcoming the new scholars: “CONGRATULATIONS sa mga bagong iskolar ng agham at teknolohiya! Pumasa man o hindi, WE ARE VERY PROUD OF EVERYONE who took the qualifying exam! Ipagpatuloy ang layuning maging scientists at engineers para sa bayan!”
(Congratulations to the new scholars of science and technology! Whether you passed or failed, we are very proud of everyone who took the qualifying exam! Continue your aim to become the nation’s scientists and engineers!)
The 9.788 future scholars passed in the following programs:
- 5,917 qualified as scholars under the RA 7687 Scholarship Program for academically talented students from economically disadvantaged families
- 3,871 qualified as scholars under the DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program
The 2020 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Examination, held last October 20, 2019, in 347 test centers nationwide, hit a record-breaking 102,526 examinees.
Dr. Josette T. Biyo, DOST-SEI Director, said that the new scholars meet the need for Filipino youth to become ambassadors of science, especially in these challenging times.
“Now more than ever, we need young people to serve as ambassadors of science as the issues we face in terms of natural disasters, health pandemics, and others rely on sound scientific information to make better decisions for the public good,” said Dr. Biyo.
The DOST-SEI chief also said the scholarships provide more opportunities for the economically-disadvantaged families to pursue college degrees.
“This scholarship program is certainly a package of opportunities as qualifiers, especially those who are underprivileged, will get to continue their education in leading universities and colleges. We are hopeful that they – 4 or 5 years from now – will undertake productive efforts in the areas of research and development, industry and innovation, and S&T services,” Dr. Biyo added.
The new S&T scholars will receive the following:
- a monthly stipend at ₱7,000
- tuition fee subsidy up to ₱40,000 per academic year for those who are enrolled in private universities and colleges
book allowance - MS/PE clothing allowance (one-time only)
- one economy-class roundtrip fare per year for those studying outside of their home province
- outright thesis allowance
- group accident insurance
The scholarship qualifiers must pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in any of the priority fields of study at a state university or college or any private higher education institution that is recognized by Commission on Higher Education as Center of Excellence or Center of Development or with FAAP Level III accreditation.
The list of priority S&T programs can be found on the SEI website here.
DOST-SEI scholars are required to render service in the country in their fields of specialization after graduation for a period equivalent to the number of years they enjoyed the scholarship as a return service.
“We believe that through the different scholarship programs of DOST-SEI, we are helping infuse a new blood of talent and skills into our workforce as well as supply a fresh breed of responsible citizens who use science in their daily lives. Now more than ever, we need young people to serve as ambassadors of science as the issues we face in terms of natural disasters, health pandemics, and others rely on sound scientific information to make better decisions for the public good,” Dr. Biyo added.
The new S&T qualifiers will receive a notice of award from the DOST-SEI or the DOST Regional Office stating the date of orientation and contract signing. The qualifiers shall report at the designated venue with a parent/legal guardian who must bring a valid passport or any government-issued ID card. The legal guardian is required to submit a notarized affidavit of guardianship.
For the full list of scholars, go here.
Basketball star Chris Tiu was named the Science and Technology ambassador for Filipino youth in 2019.
DOST is also supporting the Nanosatellite space technology scholarships offered at the University of the Philippines.
DOST-SEI also offers scholarship slots for S&T grad students to study abroad.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to the new DOST scholars!
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