Gov’t Aims to Increase Engineering, Sci-Tech Grads Through Scholarship Grants

Manila (PNA) — Government agencies such as the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have pushed for the target increase of Engineering and Science and Technology (S&T) graduates through the provision of scholarship grants to deserving students in their third year undergraduate program.

With the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the “Fast-tracked Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 2013” (Republic Act No. 10612), scholarships and additional incentives will be given to Engineering and S&T students to attract them to teach science, mathematics and technology courses in public or private high schools after graduation, particularly in their home regions.

DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro emphasized the need for skilled and knowledgeable teachers who can teach mathematics, S&T courses.

One way to achieve that is through the encouragement given to graduates of the respective programs to teach and inspire students regarding their expertise in the field of science and technology, the DepEd chief noted.

“We need passionate individuals to push for careers in science and math, especially in developing the mindsets of the Filipino youth,” said former AGHAM Party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones.

He added that the implementation of R.A. 10612 is the fulfillment of Section 8 of the K to 12 law which urges for the hiring of graduates of science, math, statistics, engineering and other specialists as teachers.

The hiring of experts in these fields is said to push for the promotion of research, innovation and utilization of studies related to S&T in the country.

The DOST Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) has opened 500 slots for third year undergraduate students who are interested to teach.

To monitor the academic performance of the program scholars, the DOST-SEI will formulate and prescribe guidelines to evaluate the students.

Meanwhile, the DepEd’s task is to ensure the hiring and job placement of qualified graduates of the program as secondary school teachers in science, mathematics and related technology courses, and also to monitor the performance of the teachers hired under the said program.

Luistro said that the program is an avenue for the graduates of S&T and other related fields to share their knowledge and experience to students so as to provide a more comprehensive, extensive, and holistic lessons for the students. (PNA) SCS/JDM