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The Department of Science and Technology- Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) welcomed its new sets of scholars under the DOST-Science Education Institute’s (SEI) 2022 Undergraduate Scholarship Program.

Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) is one of the most overlooked and neglected fields in the industry. According to the updated Philippine Development Plan (2017-2022), the challenges to STI include slow commercialization of outputs on STI activities and its underutilization; inadequate research and development (R&D) infrastructure, especially in the regions, and slow implementation of STI projects; underinvestment in R&D and low level of awareness on the results of R&D activities and the government’s support mechanisms; and information dissemination campaigns, particularly on available technologies, remain inadequate and fragmented. It is for these reasons that the DOST continues to beef up its promotion and advocacy programs to create a science culture in the country.  

The scholarship program provided by the DOST-SEI will provide the needed leverage in increasing the S&T manpower of the Philippines as it engages the youth in science-related activities and opportunities to improve their competencies in STI. It shall also address the dearth in the number of scientists and engineers in the country, whose contribution in improving the STI ecosystem cannot be overemphasized.With the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, DOST-SEI was not able to conduct the national qualifying examination for two (2) consecutive years. For the academic year 2022-2023, 10,487 students all over the country are about to join the ranks of the DOST scholars with 5,567 qualifiers under the RA 7687 Scholarship Program and 4,920 under the Merit Scholarship Program.

In the region, out of 1, 209 applicants, a total of 147 scholars from the different provinces and Baguio City qualified. There are 77 qualifiers for the RA 7687 program—a scholarship for talented and deserving students with a high aptitude for science coming from socio-economically disadvantaged families, and 70 qualifiers under the Merit Scholarship Program—students with high aptitude in science and mathematics who are willing to pursue a career related to science and technology.   

On June 30, 2022, DOST-CAR, thru its Scholarship Unit, conducted a virtual orientation and signing of Scholarship Agreement with the 2022 S&T Undergraduate Scholarship qualifiers. It was virtually attended by the students and PSTC staff from the different provinces such as Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province. Meanwhile, Baguio-Benguet qualifiers were oriented thru face-to-face on July 4, 2022 in Baguio City.

Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, DOST-CAR Regional Director, in her opening remarks, warmly welcomed the young scholars for being part of the DOST elite scholarship program. She stressed that she is eager to watch the scholars to grow and be developed as a DOST scholar for the nation.

“To all qualifiers batch 2022, we welcome you to the S&T community, soon you will be part of the pool of the qualified S&T human resources who can help the country towards national progress,” she said.

The orientation aimed to provide adequate and accurate information regarding the various aspects of DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Programs. All concerns and issues about the scholarship’s policies and procedures were clarified during the said activity. Scholars were made aware of their roles, terms, and conditions prior to the signing of the Scholarship Agreement and the pronouncement of the Scholar’s Oath.

Moreover, resource speakers from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, discussed the relevance of financial management given that they will be receiving monetary privileges and other incentives. Mr. Gomer Gomez Sr. Science Research Specialist, lectured about Savings and Common Fraud and Scams, while Ms. Rodora Teresa Openiano, Bank Officer II, discussed the Basics of Investment. This can assist them to be financially secured and empowered in their future endeavors.

Freda Macaling, a newly qualified scholar under RA 7687, who is about to take Bachelor of Science in Statistics, expressed that along with the financial aid and benefits of becoming a scholar, the program would keep her focused and grounded. This would challenge her to think outside the box and perform well in an academic setting.

“With the motivation to finish a science degree, it would be a constant reminder of how I can give back and use my education as a catalyst for change and innovation. Along with this, the program has a community that fosters an affinity and a collective goal of becoming leaders in STEM-related fields," she added. She also reiterated that as the world is at the forefront of change, so will the need for science and technology rise. 

Dr. Pepita S. Picpican, Assistant Regional Director (ARD) of the Technical Services Division, congratulated all qualifiers as well as reminded them of their scholarship obligations as they are expected to render service after graduation. 

“The challenge now is for each of you to continue investing your time and effort to be active in science and technology while in college, we look forward to seeing you all finish your studies and be included in Science and Technology human resources in the future,” she added. 

Meanwhile, DOST-SEI is now accepting applications for the 2022 Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) thru the E-scholarship Application System. For more information and details, just visit the official DOST-SEI Facebook page and website. The application ends on July 31 while the qualifying exam will be on August 27-28, 2022. The DOST-CAR is encouraging students who are willing to take STEM-related courses to be one of their scholars. //Rine Lee Carantes

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The 2022 S&T Undergraduate Qualifier Orientation, signing of Scholarship Agreement, and the pronouncement of the Scholar’s Oath, together with DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog and Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Division Pepita S. Picpican, the Scholarship Unit staff, resource speakers from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the scholars from different provinces of CAR.

The DOST-CAR in partnership with Balik Scientist Program and DOST S&T Fellows Program Project Management Office organized a Balik Scientist Program and S&T Fellows Program Orientation and Needs Assessment Among RDI Networks in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) on 24 June 2022 at Venus Parkview Hotel, Baguio City.

The BSP and S&T Fellows are DOST flagship programs that aim to engage the services of highly qualified researchers, scientists, and engineers (RSEs) in various DOST RDI and Councils to increase and strengthen the human resource complement of the Department’s Research and Development (R&D) group.  

The DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevera emphasized the importance of the programs by stating, "through the BSP and S&T Fellow Programs, we would be able to encourage more S&T experts to contribute in shaping the country's R&D landscapes and help cultivate our leaders and various key industry players to invest more in R&D."

Through the activity, the BSP and S&T Fellows were introduced and promoted among RDIs in CAR. With the hope that these programs will be maximized in the region, research gaps and opportunities among institutions that could be addressed through the BSP and S&T Fellows were identified in a Need Assessment Workshop with the DOST Councils namely: the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARD); Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD); and Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).

In her message, DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy A. Bantog cited that, “CAR are among the regions with the least number of Balik Scientists engaged since BSP was established. Other regions with more Balik Scientists definitely had improved their competencies on research, development and innovations including their R&D infrastructure”. 

With this, she encouraged RDIs to take part in the programs to develop quality interventions in addressing research gaps and opportunities in the region. "May this serve as a challenge to our CAR-RDI Ecosystem especially the HEIs to engage with the programs in pushing more R&D initiatives in the region. May we continue to learn, inspire and serve through research, development and innovation for a better Cordillera and a better country," Dr. Bantog asserted.

Further, Ms. Anichie Itoh, Program Manager of S&T Fellows and Ms. Idohna Jomao-as, Program Manager of BSP projected that these programs provide S&T experts with financial benefits and incentives to encourage them to contribute in R&D capacity that will address development gaps in the country.

In his testimony, Dr. Christian Crisostomo, a S&T Fellow, pointed out the benefits provided to him such as working with best and brightest in the country, free travel, and doing a meaningful work while enjoying a competitive compensation.

For interested BSP and S&T Fellows applicants and prospect host institutions, you may send email at the followingThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To learn more about the programs, you may visit DOST website at https://www.dost.gov.ph/. //Ezra James Felix

 BSP

The representatives from different National Government Offices, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Consortia, Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs), DOST Provincial Science and Technology Centers, and Regional Line Agencies in the region pose for a photo during the Balik Scientist Program and S&T Fellows Orientation and Needs Assessment on June 24, 2022 held at Venus Park Hotel, Baguio City.

Dreaming of working in the field of science, technology, and innovation?

Good news! The Department of Science and Technology – CAR is accepting online applications to the 2022 DOST SEI Junior Level Science Scholarship. This scholarship program is open to all Filipino with good moral and health, regular second year college male and female students enrolled in a DOST-SEI priority S&T course at accredited universities in the Second Semester of AY 2021-2022, and must have a general weighted average of at least 83% or its equivalent and with no conditional or failing mark from the First Semester of First Year until the First Semester of Second Year in college, including in the midyear term, if enrolled.

Qualifiers will enjoy a tuition fee grant of 40,000 pesos per academic year, monthly living allowance of 7,000 pesos, and other privileges. Deadline for filing of application is on July 31 while examination is on August 27-28, 2022.

Visit https://jlss.science-scholarships.ph for online application. For further information you may visit the DOST Science Education Institute website at www.sei.dost.gov.ph or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0907-913-2231 and you may message the DOST-CAR Regional Office Facebook page DOST-CAR. Apply now! Be a DOST scholar! 

JLSS

The Department of Science and Technology- Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) bagged third place in the Gender and Development (GAD) Mainstreaming Award for Regional Category during the DOST’s 64th Anniversary: Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat, held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza on June 13, 2022.

The award recognizes the department’s efforts in pursuing gender responsiveness through the implementation of Science and Technology (S&T) programs, projects, and activities in promoting gender equality, women empowerment, and eliminating any discrimination against gender within the Department’s systems, policies, and procedures. 

The said recognition was awarded by DOST Secretary, Prof. Fortunato T. dela Peña, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST Assistant Secretary for Human Resources Management, Management Services, and Special Concerns, and DOST-Wide GAD Focal Person Dr. Diana L. Ignacio, and received by DOST-CAR Regional Director, Dr. Nancy A. Bantog. 

The DOST-CAR started its GAD Mainstreaming Program in 2018 and was awarded second place in the 2019 GAD Mainstreaming Award on December 1, 2020. Dr. Bantog expressed that she is very proud of the agency’s human resource contingency that for the second awarding of GAD Mainstreaming, DOST-CAR is still in the top three. 

“We do our functions as expected of us. The bottom line is DOST-CAR is conscientious in providing responsive and appropriate interventions for us to help solve the various challenges in the region. We always sustain the gains that we had in 2020 and even improve our activities or programs and revisit our policies for the Gender Mainstreaming in our operations.”   

As stated by the Philippine Commission on Women (2022), GAD mainstreaming award is a fundamental global strategy that ensures the government’s continuous support and services in pursuing gender equality in all aspects of the development process. It envisions achieving a gender-responsive society where men and women contribute equally and benefit from the development. It also promotes equal opportunities between men and women in the access to and control over resources, decision making, benefits and rewards within a particular system. //Rine Lee Carantes, BSU Devcom Intern  

GAD award

(From left to right) Asec. Diana Ignacio, Usec Sancho Mabborang, and Secretary Fortunato dela Peña awarded the 3rd place in GAD Mainstreaming Award for Regional Office category to DOST-CAR led by Regional Director Nancy Bantog during the Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza on June 13, 2022.