DOST-SEI Official Statement on Scholars' Stipends

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) DOST-SEI would like to assure the public and all stakeholders of its continuing commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of all our scholars amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They recently consulted with the various universities under the National Science Consortium (NSC) towards revisiting their existing policies and revising these where possible so as to help the scholars better cope with these trying times.

In particular, they are looking at ways to help scholars receive funding in a more timely manner given the adjustments and concessions that universities have had to undertake in the wake of the pandemic. They are also revisiting policies on the disbursement of funds so as to better provide for their needs above and beyond the demands of the classroom—an urgent concern, given how many of them have been thrust into the thick of research early in their programs.

They recognize that the unusual circumstances of the ongoing pandemic have necessitated major changes and adjustments across all sectors of society, and it behooves them to join hands with their scholars and stakeholders in working through this temporary period of upheaval and uncertainty.

The stipends for current undergraduate and graduate scholars were already released in full in the latter half of this year. Meanwhile, they are working for the prompt release of stipends for new scholars within the coming months. As they make these adjustments, they are looking forward to improving their services through constant dialogue with the NSC, scholars, and stakeholders.

DOST-SEI remains committed to working towards a COVID-free society, with science in full service of the Filipino people.