by Tess Superioridad Baluyos

Cagayan de Oro City (31 July) -- THE Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. 10 (DOST-10) has given recognition to its outstanding DOST scholars graduates for school year 2008-2009.

The awarding ceremonies was held recently at the Pearlmont Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City in which a gold medal of academic excellence was each given to the awardees.

Regional Director Angelito Alolod said that the awardees are among the 121 DOST scholars who graduated last March 2009. Of the list, eight graduated magna cum laude, 36 are cum laude, and three are with honors.

The Magna cum laude honors went to Christ Ian Badana of Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST). The same honors were given to the following from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT): Somewhere Albacite, Patrick Vincent Aquino, Carlos Bating, James Phil Flores, Mhelmar Labendia, Lutchie Dyan Mendoza, and Aileen Mae Trinidad.

The cum laude honors were awarded to Myra Mae Cahanap, Marl Ian Dionaldo, and Anne Valerie Intong, all graduated from Central Mindanao University (CMU), Musuan Bukidnon.

Other awardees from MSU-IIT are the following: Arjay Alag, Joana Lou Ancajas, Novie Jay Andales, Peter John Aranas, Jeana Marie Bayon, Florie Bemanos, Karl Patrick Vincent Casas, Christine Marie Ceblano, Antony Cuaton, Stephanie Cudal, Herbejie Rose Cuizon, Arniel Ching Dizon, Michelle Fudot, Rodel Guerroro, Rommel Jagus, Kristine Ruby Laganao, Gibson Maglasang, Sandra Manulat, Hananish Joy Odarve, Majvell Kay Odarve, Jay Pee Ogaya, Arvey Oliveros, Quennie Paylaga, Dennis Pitogo, and Bryan Suarez.

On the other hand, those from MUST are the following: Lalene Cababat, Shean Mclea Cabanero, John Mark Fuentes, Abner Nalugon, and Adele Nalugon.

Those who graduated with honors from MSU-IIT are the following: Mohamad Mon-em Abangad, Zukra Asan, and Aldeemar Sampang.

Cum Laude graduates under the BS-MS Straight Program (Chemistry) included the following: Lorelie Imperial, Charlie Jr. Lavilla, and Jenny Syl Tabunag, all graduated from MSU-IIT.

The outstanding scholar-graduates, along with the other DOST scholar graduates are now included in the pool of science and technology workers which the Philippines needs.

They were part of the scholarship program of the government which supports the poor but talented youth who wish to pursue careers in science and technology.

Every year, (DOST) awards about 4,000 undergraduate scholarship slots to deserving high school graduating students all over the country.

For one to qualify to apply for the scholarship: he/she should belong to the upper 5% of the high school graduating class; a natural-born Filipino citizen; of good health; of good moral character; who does not have a pending status to migrate to another country; who is not more 21 years of age; and must pass a competitive examination before they are granted the DOST undergraduate scholarship.