207 scholarships awarded to students in Bangon Marawi program

A total of 270 scholarships were recently awarded by the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) to undergraduate and graduate students under the Bangon Marawi Program.

DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña on September approved a total of 177 Bachelor of Science, 27 Master of Science, and three Doctor of Philosophy qualifiers under Batch 2 of the program in the Science and Technology Human Resource Development (STHRD), according to a statement.

Most of the qualifiers signed the Scholarship Agreement on October 16 at the Mindanao State University-Main Campus in Marawi City.

Once the requirements have been validated, the scholars will receive financial assistance such as monthly stipend and book allowance for the first semester of Academic Year 2019-2020 through the project coordinator at MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology.

“This program seeks to have a long-term effect on your city as we want you to be the ones to spark the rehabilitation of human and social infrastructures of Marawi,” DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo said.

According to the statement, the program has produced 217 BS, 20 MS, and 10 Ph.D. scholars from the first batch. Among the number, 131 have already graduated of which three received Magna cum laude while nine received Cum laude honors.

“This is proof that despite the damages brought about by the siege, the people of Marawi have remained strong and hopeful. In the next few years, we believe that the Bangon Marawi scholars are already equipped with the knowledge and skills to bring a new dawn to Marawi,” Biyo added.

The Maute group on May 23, 2017 began a five-month siege of the city that led to the city's destruction and the displacement of thousands of Marawi residents.

Meanwhile, Dr. Henry Aringa, Project Leader of the Program at MSU-Marawi, urged the qualifiers to "maximize" the opportunity and pursue excellence in their study to later serve the city.

Aringa also lauded DOST-SEI’s efforts in helping the building back of Marawi City.

DOST-SEI also provided a Learning Resource Center for all DOST scholars under the RA 7687, RA 10612, Merit Scholarship Programs, and for graduate scholars under the Science and Technology Regional Alliance for National Development, the statement added. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News