A total of 10,487 students have qualified as new science scholars for academic year 2022 to 2023 as the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) released the official list.
In a statement, DOST-SEI mentioned that it did not conduct the national scholarship qualifying examination. It stated that it has been doing this for two consecutive years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To identify the qualifiers, the Institute employed data analytics and proxy indicators in place of the exam. Documentary requirements were collected through the E-Scholarship Application System including the students’ grades in Grades 9-11.
DOST-SEI said that among this year’s batch of qualifiers, 5,567 qualified under the RA 7687 Scholarship Program—scholarships for students with high aptitude for science coming from economically disadvantaged families; while 4,920 qualified under the Merit Scholarship Program.
“The Institute is pleased to award these scholarships to these students who have indicated interest in careers in S&T. They have been the core part of our mandate since SEI’s foundation 35 years ago. We believe that this year’s batch of qualifiers will add to the pool of highly qualified scientists and engineers in the future and will take active participation and leadership roles especially in S&T research and development (R&D) activities,” DOST-SEI Director, Dr. Josette T. Biyo, said.
The agency disclosed that in order to avail of the scholarship award, qualifiers must enroll in identified priority S&T courses in state universities and colleges, or in private higher education institutions recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Centers of Excellence or Centers of Development, or with at least Level III accreditation from the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines for the priority S&T courses. The list of priority S&T courses can be found on the DOST-SEI website. Qualifiers who will avail of the program will enjoy full benefits of the scholarship for the whole duration of their programs of study. These include monthly stipend of ₱7,000; tuition fee subsidy of up to ₱40,000 per academic year for those who will enroll in private institutions; learning materials and/or connectivity allowance; one-time MS/PE clothing allowance; one economy-class round trip fare per academic year for those who will study outside their home province; group health and accident insurance; and thesis and graduation allowance.
“Aside from the financial benefits that the scholars enjoy, the Institute has support programs which can help them grow holistically and become productive citizens of the country. We are more than happy to welcome them to the S&T community and to support them as they pursue their S&T degree programs,” Biyo added.
The qualifiers and the potential qualifiers will be receiving their notices in the coming weeks from the DOST-SEI or the DOST Regional Offices.
Meanwhile, DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña is optimistic that the new scholars will eventually be a significant addition to the country’s pool of S&T experts.
“The Department shall continue to provide opportunities to deserving students who intend to take up careers in science and technology through the scholarship programs that we implement. In 4 or 5 years, these scholars will become S&T professionals who will be working on basic and innovative R&D activities and S&T services and eventually become leaders in various industry sector. We continue to support the country’s goal of producing world-class S&T human resources as this is an important component of our socio-economic development,” De la Peña said.
DOST-SEI scholars are required to render service in the country after graduation, preferably along their fields of specialization, for a period equivalent to the number of years they enjoyed the scholarship.
On the other hand, DOST-SEI announced the opening of the online application period for the 2022 Junior Level Science Scholarships (JLSS) program. Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2022, via the JLSS E-Scholarship Application System at https://jlss.science-scholarships.ph.