NEW SCHOLARS. Some of the 67 regular junior college students in Eastern Visayas attend an orientation for new scholars of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) at the regional office in Palo, Leyte on Thursday (Jan. 16, 2020). The scholarship opportunity is for regular third-year students pursuing science and technology degree programs as provided under Republic Act 10612. (PNA photo by Gerico Sabalza)
PALO, Leyte -- Some 67 junior college students in Eastern Visayas will enjoy the benefits of the Junior Level Science Scholarships (JLSS) program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
In an orientation on Thursday, the new beneficiaries and their parents signed the government scholarship contract at the DOST regional office here.
DOST 8 (Eastern Visayas) science research specialist, Ma. Divina Gracia Advincula, said the opportunity is for regular third-year students pursuing science and technology degree programs, as provided under Republic Act 10612.
Otherwise known as the “Fast-Tracked S&T (science and technology) Scholarship Act of 2013”, it aims to strengthen the country’s science and technology education by facilitating graduates in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering who shall teach relevant courses or subjects in secondary high schools in the country.
Recipients are entitled to receive scholarship benefits for the last two years of his/her undergraduate studies or the last three years for those enrolled in a five-year course, such as engineering while matriculating in an approved program.
Scholarship privileges under JLSS include the coverage of tuition and school fees of up to PHP40,000 per academic year, PHP7,000 monthly living allotment; allowances for books, transportation, and thesis; health insurance; and training opportunities.
Advincula reminded the qualifiers to be aware not only of their benefits and privileges but also their responsibilities as government scholars.
DOST scholars shall maintain a passing grade in all academic subjects every semester until completion of the degree program, and teach at the secondary level, ideally in their respective home regions as their return-service.
“This is a two-way process. The government is investing much to improve education. You must be responsible scholars and citizens of the country, so know your obligations, as well as the parents,” Advincula told students and their parents.
The DOST encourages students to pursue productive careers in science and technology by availing of their scholarship programs, aiming to ensure a steady supply of qualified S&T human resources, which can steer the country towards national development. (PNA)
