This year, thousands of aspiring young Filipino learners took a crucial step toward their futures by participating in the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI) Undergraduate Scholarship Examinations. (Photo via DOST-STII)
Thousands of young Filipino learners took a bold step toward their dreams as they took this year’s Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI) Undergraduate Scholarship Examinations.
Administered nationwide by the DOST-SEI, the qualifying examinations serve as the gateway to the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship, a program designed to nurture students who demonstrate strong aptitude in science and mathematics and who intend to pursue priority science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree programs.
This year, nearly 500,000 students applied for the scholarship. After the nationwide screening process, 102,390 applicants qualified, earning the chance to advance in their academic journey as potential DOST scholars. Among them are 4,760 qualifiers from Northern Mindanao, reflecting the region’s continued strength in STEM education and its growing pool of future scientists and engineers.
The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship supports eligible Grade 12 students who meet academic requirements and successfully pass the competitive examinations. Successful passers will pursue identified priority S&T degree programs in recognized universities and receive financial assistance covering tuition and other school fees within prescribed limits, a monthly living allowance, book allowance, transportation assistance for students studying away from their home province, health and accident insurance, and thesis support for applicable programs. These scholars are expected to complete their degree. On the other hand, they are obliged to render service in the Philippines, ensuring their contribution to national development.
For thousands of examinees, the testing centers are their springboards to success — after months of preparation, quiet hopes, and personal sacrifices, a single important moment could change everything.
After completing the examination, students were asked to reflect on three questions: How difficult was the examination? What one word best describes their experience? And did it meet their expectations? Many rated the test as challenging, describing it as a true measure of preparation, analytical thinking, and composure under pressure. Some shared that the level of difficulty was exactly what they expected from a national scholarship examination.
Others admitted it was more demanding than anticipated, but equally motivating. For Sean Baguhin, 19, of Casisang National High School, motivation came from home. “I was motivated to take the exam because of my parents — I want to work hard for them,” he shared. “I would rate the exam 7 out of 10. It was difficult because some questions really required us to solve and analyze the problems carefully. If I become a DOST scholar, the scholarship will help sustain my college years, so I won’t have to rely solely on my parents.”
Meanwhile, Fatima of Bukidnon National High School described the experience with quiet confidence. “I would rate the exam an 8,” she said. “It was challenging, but our mock exam was actually more difficult. I wasn’t really anxious because my previous entrance exam experiences prepared me for it. I expected the DOST exam to be harder, but it turned out to be manageable.”
Their reflections revealed different perspectives but a shared readiness to take on the challenge.
For many families, the scholarship eases the burden of sending children to higher education. While for communities, it signals opportunities to advance their ways through science, research, and innovation. But for the country, it is an investment for the future of millions of Filipinos. As this new batch prepares to begin their undergraduate journey, they carry not only personal ambitions but also the shared hope of contributing to a more innovative, resilient, and science-driven Philippines.—Press release from DOST-STII/MF
The Department of Science and Technology – Northern Mindanao is one of the attached regional offices of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.region10.dost.gov.ph or contact Ms. Mariane Joy M. Abiog, Supervising Science Research Specialist at info@region10.dost.gov.ph.
