DOST encourages students to take science-related courses

DAGUPAN CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) --  The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Pangasinan told students in the province to pursue science and technology-related courses in their college education to easily land a job and avail of the privileges of DOST scholarship programs.

Jennifer Fernandez, science research specialist of DOST-Pangasinan Satellite Office in Urdaneta City, urged high school students who are graduating this academic year to choose science courses because it will provide them more job opportunities.

“Maraming opportunities kapag science related ang course mo, sinasabi nga natin sa DOST na meron nang brain-drain when it comes to science and technology kaya nga sinusulong natin itong mga DOST scholarship,”Fernandez said during the “Pantongtongan Tayo” radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on Tuesday.

Fernandez said to encourage more students to take up science-related courses, the DOST, through the Science Education Institute (SEI), has increased its scholarship privileges.

“Kung mapapansin noong mga nakaraang taon, nasa P5, 000 lang ang monthly living allowance ng isang DOST scholar. Ngayon umabot na sa P7, 000 ang monthly living allowance na matatanggap ng bawat scholar at yong sa Merit scholars na dati ay partial, ngayon pare-pareho na yan na P7,000 per month,” she said.

Fernandez added that aside from the increased monthly living allowance, DOST scholars are entitled to P40, 000 covering tuition fees and other school fees, P10,000 book allowance, transportation allowance for those studying outside of their home province, and a one-time graduation allowance.

In the Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) program qualifying examination held last December, Fernandez said only 40 students in Region 1 have qualified for the Republic Act 7687 (Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship program), RA 10612 (Act Expanding the Coverage of S&T Scholarship) and the Merit Scholarship program.

“To maintain their scholarship, scholars should have at least passing grades in all academic subjects, no failing grade or incomplete grades, and that they have completed the course within its prescribed period,” said Fernandez. 

Fernandez said science and technology scholars will be required to render service to the country after graduation, equivalent to the number of years they enjoyed the scholarship.

She added that scholars under the RA 7687 and Merit Scholarship program will be required to work along their fields of specialization while those under RA 10612 shall serve as teachers in any public or private high school in the country or in Region 1.

“For RA 10612 scholars, meron tayong partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) na tatanggapin sila even without passing Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) pa,”said Fernandez, adding that some DOST scholars who recently graduated is now rendering their services as Teacher III already.

Meanwhile, Fernandez said for scholars who opted not to render the service required in the scholarship program, they will be mandated to pay the amount of scholarship benefits given to them by the government with additional 12 percent interest. (JNPD/EMBS/PIA Pangasinan)

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https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1017810
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