By Charmaine Odong
LOS BAÑOS, Laguna—The Department of Science and Technology Region IV-A (DOST-4A) is ramping up efforts to expand its science scholarship programs across Calabarzon to reach more deserving students.
In an interview during the Philippine Information Agency’s Sulong Calabarzon program, Regional Director Emelita P. Bagsit said that DOST-4A is advocating for more inclusive scholarship policies to encourage the participation of students, especially from underserved areas.
“To ensure that all students have fair access to DOST’s scholarship programs, regional offices, particularly in Calabarzon, are implementing various strategies, including visiting far-flung areas to promote science and technology scholarships,” Bagsit said.
DOST-4A is also setting up mobile application desks to assist applicants, especially in communities without internet access for online applications.
Bagsit shared that examinees from remote areas were provided with modest accommodations a day prior to the examination to ensure they would not miss the opportunity to take the test and potentially qualify for their scholarship programs.
According to DOST-4A, a total of 2,302 students in the Calabarzon region have qualified for the DOST’s Science Education Institute undergraduate scholarship this year, comprising 20 percent of the 10,000 students who passed nationwide.
The regional science and technology chief said this reflects DOST’s strong commitment to providing free scholarships to students aiming to pursue careers in the field of science.
“Out of more than 10,000 passers, about 2,000 are from Calabarzon. This shows the significant number of scholars we have, we were second after the National Capital Region,” Bagsit stated.
Bagsit emphasized that strengthening access to quality education in science and technology is key to uplifting communities and building a more competitive workforce.
DOST scholarship benefits include a monthly living allowance of P8,000 and tuition assistance of up to P40,000 per academic year. The scholarship also covers other educational expenses such as book allowance, clothing allowance, thesis allowance, and more.
