Bill seeks expanded science scholarship coverage

MANILA, Philippines – A newly-filed bill at the Senate seeks to provide more scholarships for science and engineering students in state universities and colleges (SUCs).

Building on current scholarship programs under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the bill proposes to open up scholarship slots for Filipino students in SUCs currently taking up degree programs identified as priority science and technology courses.

Under the bill, scholars will get the benefits provided under Republic Act No. 7687 or the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994, plus additional benefits.

As with existing DOST scholarship programs, recipients will be required to render a service obligation, and will be barred from leaving the country to work or live abroad.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, the author of the bill, cited state policy on providing affordable quality education, and the prioritization of research and development as a tool for nation-building.

The bill intends to encourage poor but intelligent students to pursue higher education in the sciences.

Under the proposed measure, the Science Education Institute will be tapped to fund the program. It will also be authorized to accept grants and donations from domestic and foreign sources. – Rappler.com