DOST boosts HR, R&D capabilities through scholarships

AN EMERGING NATION NEEDS BRIGHT MINDS, and bright minds need support. Because of this, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) continues its efforts in boosting the country’s human resource and research and development (R&D) capabilities through its scholarships.

DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña said that providing scholarships to Filipino students has always been one of the department’s priorities. He also noted that the DOST was able to support 36,772 scholars in the previous year.

DOST works closely with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to expand the country’s pool of R&D workers and to improve the R&D capabilities of institutions.

Scholarships and financial assistance

While there is an increasing number of students taking up MS courses, Dela Peña said that the number of PhDs is “quite small.” This is why he has been encouraging Filipino students to pursue doctorate in Science courses. This is where the agency’s scholarship grants come in.

Apart from providing scholarships, the DOST also offers financial assistance to students who aim to conduct a scientific research. Meanwhile, institutions are given research grants.

The DOST encourages institutions to carry out researches that would cater to specific needs. Most importantly, proposals that are in line with DOST’s priority areas are provided with assistance to improve their existing R&D facilities.

Some of DOST’s priority areas for R&D include agriculture, forestry, fishery; renewable energy; information and communications technology; and industrial waste management.