Last June 30, 2023, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-CALABARZON, through its Scholarships Unit, conducted the DOST-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Scholars’ Exit Conference simultaneously at the Lima Park Hotel in Malvar, Batangas, via Zoom and Facebook live.

Gathering a total of 392 scholars from the whole region (50 from Cavite; 179 from Laguna; 90 from Batangas; 21 from Rizal; and 52 from Quezon), the conference aims to recognize the scholars’ hard work and perseverance and to re-orient them of their obligations based on the Scholarship Agreement.

DOST officials graced the event by expressing their support, including Usec. Maridon Sahagun, DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services and Engr. Francisco R. Barquilla III, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations of the DOST-CALABARZON and the Senior Technical Staff for Scholarship. Meanwhile, Ms. Emelita P. Bagsit, Regional Director of DOST-CALABARZON, expressed her support through a message delivered by ARD Barquilla during the Opening Remarks.

 Moreover, speakers from various sectors provided comprehensive discussions for the outgoing scholars, namely, Mr. Peter Gerry P. Gavina, Chief Science Research Specialist from the DOST-SEI where he discussed the “DOST-SEI Scholarship Policies on Service Obligation and Issuance of Clearances” and the DOST-SEI Graduate Scholarship Programs”; Mr. Vergel P. Rebuta, Science Research Specialist II from the DOST-SEI and his discussion on the Tracking Actual Career Experience Report (TRACER); Ms. Evelyn A. Calderon, Administrative Officer IV from the Department of Education (DepEd) Calamba and her presentation on the DepEd Hiring Arrangements for RA 10612/RA 7687 Scholars.

The latter part of the program featured previous DOST scholars who shared their journey and success stories including Mr. Mhark Ellgine A. Libao, Science Research Specialist from the Provincial S&T Office of Batangas (PSTO-Batangas); Ms. Andreana Amor M. Gulay, Special Science Teacher I of the Camp Vicente Lim Integrated School; and Ms. Lyn A. Fernandez, the Assistant Regional Director for Finance and Administrative Services of the DOST-CALABARZON.

Note to editors: DOST-CALABARZON is one of the regional offices of the Department of Science and Technology and is located at Jamboree Road, Brgy. Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna. For more information, you may visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/dostcalabarzon or website www.region4a.dost.gov.ph. You may also reach us at parcu@ro4a.dost.gov.ph.