For talented students with the potential to excel within the domains of Science and Technology, yet hindered by financial expenditures, the Science Education Institute (SEI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launches Free Review Sessions for aspiring scholars encouraging them to be the next “Iskolar Para Sa Bayan”.

These Online Reviews for the upcoming DOST-SEI Undergraduate Qualifying Exam sessions were held through Zoom Meetings, which had stamped dates on March 09, 16, and 23, 2024. Moreover, these sessions were organized and facilitated by the DOST VIII- Scholarship Unit led by Ms. Jean Gay O. Ragub together with Mr. Jone James Rosales, Ms. Maria Divina Gracia Advincula, Ms. Sharmaine Quintana, and Mr. Joshua Catubao, tapping the skilled Patriot DOST Scholars to serve as the resource speakers.

The objective of this program is to process and familiarize them with the possible examination questions and formats. Furthermore, the PowerPoint presentations, recorded review sessions, and sample questions provided were solely for the benefit of aspiring examinees from the Graduating Grade 12 students from senior high school in AY 2023-2024.

The review materials encompass the three primary domains, namely: (i) Creative Reasoning and Language & Literature – Sub-domains of Creative Reasoning include Verbal Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning, and Mechanical Reasoning; (ii) Science – Sub-domains include Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, and Space Science; and (iii) Mathematics – Sub-domains include Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, and Calculus.

• Creative Reasoning and Language & Literature – The Review session for this domain was held on March 09, 2024, from 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. John Raphael P. Camba professionally delivered the Verbal Reasoning lecture, integrating a curriculum loaded with significant concepts. The lecture delved into various components, including Analogy, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Letter Coding, equipping learners with a comprehensive instrument for understanding and evaluating language. Under the tutor of Christian P. Sarzata, the Spatial Reasoning lecture presented an intriguing exploration of its complex nature. Expanding beyond basic definitions, the discussion addressed the profound significance of spatial reasoning and how essential it is for solving problems with visual information. The Mechanical Reasoning lecture was presented by Aian Paul D. Roque, which explored the fundamental concepts with accuracy, the lecture unfolded a broad range of topics, including Gears & Wheels, Pulleys, Pendulum dynamics, Force & Torque dynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Velocity analysis. Through insightful discussions and practical demonstrations, participants were fully engaged in a profound learning opportunity, essential for problem-solving and imaginative ability. Finally, the Language and Literature lecture was led by Dynise Manuelle R. Lira. The lecture delved into an array of language details comprising Critical Reading and Analysis, Grammar Mastery, Paraphrasing styles, Figures of Speech, and the Sequence of Sentence construction. 

• Science – The Review session for this domain was held on March 16, 2024, from 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Yuoseff Al-Jurayd Kanda led an engaging discussion on the Biology lecture, including the ATP-ADP Cycle, Photosynthesis & Calvin Cycle, Plant & Animal Cells, Forms of Tropism, among others. The participants gained an in-depth understanding of the multifaceted structure of biological occurrences that greatly comprise the world we live in. Reynald O. Real delivered the Chemistry lecture which encompasses Gases, Laws of Thermodynamics, Classification and Nomenclature of Inorganic Compounds, Balancing Chemical Equations, and more. The lecture further explored the captivating world of Biomolecules, classical techniques of Separation, and Experiment Design, finalizing a holistic understanding of the principles that support the domain of Chemistry. The Earth Science lecture was professionally discussed by Adrian Carl Boone, and provided a concise overview of four key topics with distinct definitions. These include Geology, Oceanography, Meteorology, and Astronomy. His professional delivery gave the audience a thorough understanding of these various topics, making the complex domain of Earth Science understandable and intriguing. Julius Caezar Macadine successfully discussed the Physics lecture with the following topics: Electrical energy, Heat Transfer, Displacement vs. Time, Mechanical Energy, Velocity, Acceleration, and Projectile Motion. Through his competent demonstration, participants gained a deeper understanding of these core principles. Lastly, the Space Science topics were discussed by Welfred A. Pacabes. His discussion included The Earth and the Sun, The Solar System, the Formation of the Universe, the Formation of the Solar System, and Philippine Satellites. Under Pacabes’ guidance, participants formed a new awareness of the vastness and complexity of the cosmos. 

• Mathematics – The Review session for this domain was held on March 23, 2024, from 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Mr. Jone James Rosales spearheaded the Algebra lecture with clear instructions and demonstrations ensuring all students could follow. His discussions consisted of the following topics: Algebraic Expressions, Simple Interest, Sequence, Arithmetic Sequence, Arithmetic Series, Geometric Sequence, and Systems of Linear Equations. Attendees gained knowledge and proficiency in tackling algebraic situations and problems through rationalization. The Basic Calculus lecture review was thoroughly discussed by Shaun Patrick P. Albao, RChT. With his proficiency and expertise in this field, he taught the students the Definition of a Limit, Theorems of Limits, Special Limits, Definition of Continuity, Definition of a Derivative, and Derivatives of Algebraic Functions. Students gained a profound understanding of Calculus fundamentals, allowing students to take on challenging mathematical equations. Through the efforts of Mylene C. Dacara & Julius Caezar G. Macadine, the Geometry lecture, covering a range of fundamental topics with clarity and simplicity, was discussed. Topics include the Area of a Circle, Square, and Triangle, Parts of a Circle, Square, and Triangle, the Circumference of a Circle, Angle Measurements, the Pythagorean Theorem, and the Perimeter of a Square. The Statistics & Probability lecture was led by Mr. Shaun Patrick P. Albao, RChT, which encompasses a diverse range of discussions with the topics, including the Venn Diagram, Basic Sets of Operation, Fundamental Principle of Counting, Permutation, Combination, Basic Probability Definition, Mean, Median, & Mode, and Variance & Standard Deviation. Mr. Albao ensured that students gained a broad grasp and understanding of statistical principles and probability theories, equipping them with the analytical tools necessary for data interpretation and decision-making. Furthermore, Ms. Catherine C. Matranas expounded on the branch of mathematics concerned with specific functions of angles which is the Trigonometry lecture. This lecture comprised the following overviews: What is Trigonometry, Practice Problems, and Techniques on how to solve problems involving Trigonometry. With an improved understanding of the relevance and practical uses of trigonometry, students are now equipped to address trigonometric problems with assurance and competence.

At the end of every Review Session, DOST assured that all DOST-SEI Undergraduate Qualified Examinees have an increased rate of qualifying for the scholarship with all the knowledge and insights learned. Aligned with the DOST’s slogan “One DOST for you, providing solutions and opening opportunities”, Filipino students are widely encouraged to be the next generations of scholars to contribute their scientific and technological talents for national development.

(By Carl Pajota, Work Immersion Student from St. Mary’s Academy of Palo, Inc)