THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) plans to increase scholarships for science and engineering courses.
This was announced by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum during a pre-SONA briefing.
The secretary cited the Philippines’ shortage of students enrolled in science and engineering courses as the reason.
According to Solidum, many young people today prefer entering other fields or courses.
For instance, nursing is favored because of the higher income potential.
‘’Today, most youth are opting for fields not related to science and engineering because the logic is to follow where the money is, hence they pursue nursing,’’ Sec. Renato Solidum said.
Currently, the government is funding 50,000 undergraduate scholars through DOST.
“We have 5,000 Master’s and PhD scholars, but that’s still insufficient. So, what do we need? We also have a shortage of people entering science and engineering in colleges,” Solidum added.
The secretary added that the agency will also encourage investors and capitalists to invest in research and development.
Solidum mentioned that DOST has partnered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to establish knowledge, innovation, science, and technology (KIST) parks.
This move aims to encourage companies to invest in provinces, not just in the National Capital Region (NCR), to create more jobs.
“Now, to entice international/national companies to settle there in the provinces, so it’s not just in Metro Manila where there are more jobs, and if parents and youth see those jobs there – they will enter into science and engineering,” he said.
