SENIOR high schools students who are hopeful for Science scholarship in the province reached to 2,050 as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) preps up the 2020 S&T undergraduate scholarship exam on October 20.
Negros Occidental Provincial Science and Technology director Allan Francis Dara-ug said, the recent figure of applicants skyrocketed as compared to the previous years with 900 and 1,500 in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Dara-ug noted this significant increase was attributed to the rigid information and dissemination campaigns for the scholarship program.
“Student applicants are very much aware of the value and benefits of venturing into scientific careers,” Daraug said.
To note, these science grants are composed of the Republic Act 7687 and the Merit scholarship.
Qualifiers have grant privileges like tuition fees, book allowance, PE uniform, group insurance, transportation allowance for those studying outside of home province, monthly stipend, and graduation clothing allowance.
Upon completion of the degree, DOST scholars are obliged to render service in the country to a minimum period corresponding to the span of time they enjoyed the scholarship.
According to the provincial S&T director, reviews for the examinations will be conducted in remote areas where there are no qualifiers.
“We would like to help produce a mass of scientists and engineers in order to meet the S&T demands nowadays, Dara-ug explained, citing the country’s shortage of science professionals.
He echoed DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) director Josette Biyo’s statement that they hoped to have qualifiers in the far-flung areas in Negros Occidental who can be honed as scientists or engineers, eventually becoming key players in various S&T endeavors. (PR)