DOST SCHOLARSHIP IS BACK

MARY JOY L. BUMANLAG

The premier science scholarship program of the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) is back, after a two-year hiatus due to the implementation of the K-12 Curriculum.

In fact, the DOST-SEI has increased the number of slots in its scholarship program, including a higher monthly stipend rate for every scholar.

Under the RA 7687, the Scholarship Program is granted to students who belong to economically disadvantaged families.

According to DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, it is time to get more interest from the public regarding its scholarship programs. Just recently, he said, 8,994 new qualifiers have been named to avail their undergraduate scholarship. The number of qualifiers is said to be the biggest batch since 1958, surpassing 2015’s 5,303 qualifiers by 69.6%.

Meanwhile, DOST-SEI Director Josette Biyo expressed hope that the number of scholars will increase to 33,256 by 2019.

The named DOST undergraduate scholars will receive an increased monthly stipend of P7,000 per month, in addition to the P40,000 per year for the tuition and other school fees.

They will also get a book allowance worth P10,000 and a one-time P1,000 uniform allowance, as well as entitlement to a one economy-class round trip fare per year if they are studying outside of their home province.

The new developments for the DOST scholarship programs aim to attract more scholars and graduates who will eventually work for the country in the fields of science and technology. S&T professionals are highly in-demand in addressing a number of national concerns.

Interested Grade 12 students are now are encouraged to submit their applications for the 2019 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Science and Technology Scholarship until August 31, 2018. Examinations will be conducted on October 21, 2018.

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The author is Teacher III at Porac National High School