Baguio City – A total of 82 new grantees of the Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) program of the Department of Science and Technology- Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) took oath on November 24, 2023 at the Paragon Hotel in Baguio City through the DOST-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR).
In her message, the DOST-CAR Regional Director, Nancy A. Bantog said that the scholarship program aims to cultivate a competent science and technology workforce that will eventually help develop the country in the rapidly evolving global environment.
“We believe that these individuals hold the key to unlocking the Philippines’ potential in the fields of science and technology. Through this scholarship program, we aim to provide our qualifiers with the necessary financial support and academic guidance to pursue their dreams of becoming scientists and technologists. We also hope to instill in them a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to using their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on society,” Director Bantog said in her message.
Prior to the oath-taking ceremony, the grantees signed a scholarship agreement stating the rules and guidelines, as well as the obligations of both the DOST-CAR and the grantees throughout the enjoyment of the scholarship program.
The JLSS program is one of the DOST undergraduate scholarship programs offered to regular 3rd year college students, currently enrolled in priority S&T courses in accredited universities. Qualifiers of this program will enjoy various scholarship benefits such as tuition and other school fees, book allowance, and monthly stipends, amounting to up to PhP120,000.00 per academic year for two to three years. To enjoy these benefits, scholars must maintain good academic standing.
The scholarship program is awarded in three categories, the program awards Merit scholarships to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics and who are willing to pursue careers in the field of science and technology. The RA 7687 category, also known as the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994 provides scholarships to talented and deserving students whose families’ socio-economic status does not exceed the set cut-off values of certain indicators. Scholars in this category must be willing to pursue priority fields of study in the basic sciences, engineering, other applied sciences, and science and mathematics teaching. Third is the RA 10612 scholarship program which aims to strengthen the country’s science and technology education by fast-tracking graduates in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering who shall teach science and mathematics in secondary schools throughout the country.
Of the 82 new grantees, 49% received Merit scholarships, 37% are RA 7687 scholars, and 14% are under the RA10612 scholars. The new scholars are currently enrolled in the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in CAR, specifically in Baguio City, Benguet, Ifugao, and Mountain Province.
Concluding her message, Dr. Bantog encouraged all the qualifiers to take advantage of this scholarship opportunity to learn and grow in their fields. She also reassured them of DOST-CAR’s unwavering support throughout their academic journey.**FAA