President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has mandated an increased allocation of ₱8.67 billion for the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholarship programs under the proposed 2027 national budget, aiming to expand opportunities for emerging Filipino researchers, engineers, and scientific innovators.
During a Palace media briefing on Wednesday, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the budget expansion reflects the administration’s strategic focus on strengthening the country’s roster of science and technology professionals.
She encouraged young Filipinos to capitalize on the state-funded grants to help nurture the next wave of scientific talent.
“Kaya sa ating mga kabataan, inaanyayahan po kayo na mag-apply for scholarship,” Castro stated.
“Kailangan po kayo ng bayan at laging mag-aral. Iyan lamang po ang nais ng Pangulo,” she added.
Breakdown of the proposed ₱8.67 billion funding allocation:
- DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI): ₱7.55 billion earmarked for tertiary undergraduate, graduate, and advanced technical training programs.
- Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS): ₱1.12 billion set aside to maintain secondary STEM education operations.
The enhanced fiscal support is projected to benefit 67,504 DOST scholars nationwide in 2027—an addition of 2,407 grant recipients compared to the 65,097 scholars assisted in 2026.
Palace officials underscored that bolstering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education serves as a cornerstone for national research and development, policy making, international competitiveness, and solutions to key societal challenges.
The initiative forms part of a broader government roadmap to cultivate a high-caliber scientific workforce capable of driving long-term economic growth and technological innovation.