DOST-7 scholarship program sees record growth in the region

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology in Central Visayas (DOST-7) has announced a total of 2,527 scholars for the academic year 2024-2025, reflecting a steady increase in the number of beneficiaries.

DOST-7 Regional Director Jesus Zamora highlighted the agency's ongoing commitment to expanding its scholarship programs, ensuring that every municipality across Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor has at least one scholar.

The recent batch includes 1,848 newly admitted scholars, while 966 students successfully graduated last year.

DOST-7 Assistant Regional Director Dr. Tristan L. Abando shared that the department has been proactive in conducting information drives in various schools, distributing materials, and personally engaging with students and school officials.

DOST-7 attributes the growing number of qualifiers to intensified promotions and outreach efforts across different municipalities.

“Nitaasjudang scholars because region 7 is one of the regions ngadaghan tag qualifiers,” said Abando.

In recognition of the importance of academic excellence, DOST-7 requires scholars to maintain a minimum grade of 2.0 to continue receiving financial aid.

The scholarship program provides financial assistance, including a monthly stipend of P8,000 and tuition coverage of up to P40,000. These benefits aim to ease the financial burden on students and their families, allowing them to focus on their studies.

In addition, an alumni association for former scholars has been established to encourage graduates to give back by helping current scholars secure employment opportunities.

DOST-7 administers two major scholarship programs: the RA 7687 Scholarship and the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Merit Scholarship. The RA 7687 Scholarship is intended for financially disadvantaged but deserving students whose families' annual gross income does not exceed the poverty threshold. It supports those pursuing degrees in science, mathematics, and engineering.

Meanwhile, the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, also known as Project 5801 Education, is awarded to academically excellent students regardless of their family income. This program focuses on priority courses in the basic sciences, applied sciences, physics teaching, and engineering at identified universities.— (FREEMAN)