BS Geology top choice of new DOST scholars in earthquake-hit NegOr

DUMAGUETE CITY, May 11 (PIA)-- Six of the 22 new DOST scholars from Negros Oriental intend to enroll in the BS Geology course probably influenced by the recent calamities that hit the province this year. 

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said the six scholars or 27.3 percent will enroll in the BS Geology course at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) this opening school year in June. 

According to DOST Provincial Director Gilbert Arbon four scholars want to enroll at the BS Mechanical Engineering; three each for BS Information Technology and BS Chemistry. 

For BS Geodetic Engineering, two choose it while one each for BS Electrical Engineering, BS Education-Physics Teaching, BS Computer Science and BS Computer Engineering. 

The DOST-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) has been promoting enrollment in certain top priority courses, such as BS Physics, BS Geology, and BS Mining Engineering. 

Director Arbon said scholars who choose any of these courses receive higher subsidies of P5,000 monthly allowance. Other scholars who opt for other courses get only P4,000 monthly allowance. 

Scholars may study in a state university or college, or otherwise in a private academic institution if the courses are offered by a center of excellence or center of development (COE/COD). 

NORSU offers BS Geology while Silliman University (SU) has a COD in Information Technology and Biology, and a COE in Teacher Education. 

Two local scholars will take BSIT and BS Education-Physics Teaching in Silliman, while the rest are going to study in NORSU, said Arbon. 

However, they will all be joined by 10 scholars from other provinces, including six from Siquijor, two from Surigao del Norte, and two from Region 6, Arbon added. 

There are 32 DOST scholars who are currently undergoing a 20-day Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program (SOEP) at NORSU. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)