Scholars of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) enrolled in the different universities in Dumaguete launched the Youngblood Initiative Bloodletting during the recent celebration of Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in response to the urgent call of the Philippine National Red Cross.
John Calbores, a DOST scholar studying Mechanical Engineering at Negros Oriental State University, shared his enthusiasm for the noble cause. “I donate blood because I want to help many people in my own way. I also know there are a lot of physical benefits when one donates blood. It can help other people, and it helps me as well,” shared Calbores.
Michelle Cruz-Maquiling, head of the Philippine National Red Cross Negros Oriental, expressed her gratitude to the DOST scholars for spearheading the blood donation activity, on the importance of involving the youth.
“Before, our uniformed personnel were our main source of blood donations,” shared Maquiling. “This time, we are starting with the youth. At least one percent of the total population should donate blood so there is no shortage of blood in the province, she added.
About 30 donors participated in the blood donation drive held at Robinsons Place Dumaguete.
Maquiling highlighted the multiple benefits of donating blood. “First, you save lives of patients in dire need of blood. Second, you are checked by a medical doctor if you are physically healthy, if you have high blood pressure, or at least, you are referred for further consultation. And, lastly, you receive a blood donor’s card from the Philippine National Red Cross,” she informed.
According to Reinhold Jek Abing, senior science specialist of the DOST, the Youngblood Initiative is co-presented by the Sangguniang Kabataan Pederasyon ng Dumaguete participated in by the Local Youth Development Office and the Local Youth Development Council of Dumaguete.
Meanwhile, some 70 former scholars of the DOST Negros Oriental who graduated this year received medals and certificates for attaining Latin honors in their final year in college.
Of the total, 10 graduated summa cum laude, 30 magna cum laude, and 30 cum laude.
Fifty of them are graduates of Silliman University, while 18 came from Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Main Campus in Dumaguete City, and one each from NORSU Guilhulngan City and Foundation University.
DOST Provincial Director Atty. Gilbert Arbon said this is the department’s way of honoring scholars who have shown outstanding performance in their studies.
“We are proud to acknowledge the honors they achieved. This is also the time we give due recognition to the parents. Their sons and daughters have stepped forward to be the scholars of DOST, to be iskolar ng bayan (scholars of the nation),” Arbon said. He added that their achievement would leave a lasting impact on the implementation of the program.
Out of the DOST scholars who graduated from NORSU, seven obtained a degree in Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology, two in BS in Chemistry, three in BS Mathematics, another three in Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) Major in Mathematics, and one each in BSED Science, BS Geology, BS Computer Science, and BS Biology.
“Being a DOST scholar for two years has been more than a blessing for me especially as a proud daughter of a single mother who is also a farmer. Even if we know that tuition in NORSU is free, my mother is not exempted from paying other miscellaneous fees,” said Angelance Grace Sarona of NORSU. She finished Bachelor of Science in Pyschology, summa cum laude. She was a scholar under the DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI)’s Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) Program.
Meanwhile, Engr. Alexis Sumugat, the third placer in the 2023 October licensure examinations for geodetic engineer and a former DOST scholar, also attended the recognition ceremony.
“Strive well and always be excellent. Once you are a DOST scholar, you have to remember you are no longer standing for yourself, but you also bring the community with you. Anything you achieve is part of the success of the community,” Sumugat told the honorees.
According to the DOST, it is still accepting applications for its 2024 undergraduate scholarship program. Deadline for online application is on Dec. 31, 2023. Interested applicants may visit the local DOST office in Daro, Dumaguete City. | NWI
