DOST, iGREAT scholars begin Global Academic Journeys

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) continues to promote national scientific excellence and international collaboration by sending Filipino researchers to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees abroad. This year, DOST sent six scholars to study at world-renowned universities in Japan, the United States, and Australia.

PhilDOST-Osaka Graduate Scholarship Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

This year, the PhilDOST-Osaka Graduate Scholarship Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology is supporting three Filipino researchers exploring sustainable solutions for the agricultural industry. They are currently studying at the University of Osaka in Japan.

For her PhD in Engineering, majoring in Biotechnology, Ms. Biena Marie S. Joaquin is studying the use and optimization of agro-industrial waste to ferment Bacillus subtilis, a potent ingredient in biofertilizers and biopesticides.

Ms. Therese F. Javellana is pursuing her Master’s in Engineering, majoring in Biotechnology. She is investigating how external stressors affect the growth and lipid production of oil-producing yeasts in wastewater-based feedstock

Ms. Kneessa Louie G. Dato-on is another scholar who is pursuing a Master’s in Engineering, majoring in Biotechnology. Her proposed research will investigate how oil-producing yeast can be used to clean aquaculture wastewater and explore its potential for other uses.

PhilDOST-ACIAR Fellowship Program

Ms. Maria Alexie DS. Lizaba is the recipient of the PhilDOST-ACIAR Fellowship Program. She is taking her PhD at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia. She plans to explore the adaptability of agricultural extension to emerging challenges.

Another PhilDOST-ACIAR fellow is Ms. Hadasha Bongat. Ms. Bongat is taking her PhD at Griffith University. Her research will focus on the sustainable adoption of smallholder vegetable farmers in an inclusive agribusiness-led value chain.

PhilDOST-Texas Tech Doctoral Research and Mentoring Program

Under the PhilDOST-Texas Tech Doctoral Research and Mentoring Program, Mr. Dexter G. Pahayo is pursuing a PhD in Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University in the United States. His research is focused on investigating the genetic process behind the production of certain pigments in cereal grains, using sorghum to model the process.

Scholarship that leads to greatness

These opportunities are made possible through the International Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (iGREAT) program of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and the Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). The iGREAT program offers full academic and living support to its scholars abroad.

A defining feature of the program is the PHP10-million re-entry research grant available to scholars upon their return to the Philippines. This grant enables them to lead high-impact research initiatives that directly benefit their home institutions and the nation’s research and development ecosystem.

‘These initiatives are more than just human capital investment—they are a powerful step toward nurturing the nation’s future researchers and scientists,’ said Dr. Fezoil Luz C. Decena, Director of DOST-PCAARRD’s Institution Development Division.

‘By building bridges between local expertise and global research, the program cultivates a new generation of researchers poised to lead the country’s scientific and technological progress in the years ahead.’ Dr. Decena concludes.

Strengthening Global Academic Ties

This year also shows a steady growth of the collaborative PhilDOST programs in expanding research-based academic programs across borders. As DOST-PCAARRD and DOST-SEI continue to strengthen their partnerships with leading universities, they reinforce the Philippines’ commitment to global collaboration in science, technology, and innovation.

The Department is also excited about brewing partnerships with more international universities. New agreements with the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology in Japan and Dalhousie University in Canada will soon open doors for additional Filipino scholars to pursue advanced studies at these prestigious institutions. (Dianne Therese E Dizon, DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services)