Application for PSHS scholarship extended in Soccsksargen

By Danilo E. Doguiles

Friday 6th of July 2012

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 6 (PIA) -- Graduating elementary pupils in Soccsksargen Region who wish study at t Philippine Science High School (PSHS) next school year have been given more time to file their application for the National Competitive Examination (NCE).

Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof – Laidan, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 12 , announced today that the deadline of the submission of application form for the NCE 2013 has been moved from July 13 to July 31.

Laidan also urged Grade 6 pupils in Soccsksargen Region who were among the top 10 percent of their class in SY 2011-2012 and those who have shown exemplary performance in mathematics and science to apply for the examination, which is also an application for scholarship to the DOST-managed special school.

She pointed out the extension is only granted to students in Soccsksargen Region that covers the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.

At the formal turnover of the lot where the PSHS-Soccsksargen Region Campus (SRC) here on June 21, Dr. Josette Biyo, PSHS System executive director promised to give pupils in Region 12 more time to apply for the scholarship program.

She added that she has talked with Dr. Laidan “for the possibility of a program where we can send teachers from other PSHS campuses to give review classes or teach the applicants how to answer the test questions.”

This is in line with their target to maximize the number of students who would qualify as scholars in the PSHS-SRC in Barangay Paraiso, this city, which is scheduled to open on June 2013.

As in other campuses, PSHS-SRC will only accommodate a maximum of 90 students each year, that is three classes of only 30 students for the freshman year.

To qualify for a slot in SY 2013-2014, Grade 6 or 7 pupils should pass the NCE, which will be administered on September 29, 2012.

To be eligible to take the aptitude test, a pupil must be among the top 10 percent of the batch (SY 2011-2012) and does not have a grade of below 80 percent. If the applicant does not belong to the upper 10 percent, he or she must have special aptitude in science and math as evidenced by the report card with at least final grade of 85 in math and science and 80 in all other subjects.

The NCE is designed to measure scientific ability, quantitative ability, abstract reasoning and verbal aptitude.

Bai Tagitican, designated information officer of DOST 12, said NCE application forms are available at the DOST regional office inside ORG Complex in Cotabato City, at their provincial science and technology (S&T) centers or in the office of principal or guidance counsellor in some selected schools.

DOST-12 provincial S&T centers are located in the following addresses:

South Cotabato -- Door 4, ACEPAL Bldg., Alunan Avenue, Koronadal City [Tel No. (083) 228-2342]

North Cotabato -- Door 4, R&E Bldg., Alim St., Kidapawan City [Tel No. (083) 228-2342]

Sarangani – General Santos -- Brgy. Hall Compound, Calumpang, General Santos City [Tel No. (083) 554-7997]

Sultan Kudarat -- Door 2-A, 2nd Floor, Mervic Negrillo Bldg., National Highway, Tacurong City.

Application forms may also be downloaded from the PSHS website, www.pshs.edu.ph. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)