DOST-SEI Conducts 2025 Exit Conference for Graduating Scholars in Region 8

by: Jan Aleyana Astorga, DOST Scholar

DOST-SEI Conducts 2025 Exit Conference for Graduating Scholars in Region 8

The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) hosted its 2025 Exit Conference for graduating scholars in Region 8 on July 8, 2025. Held at the Summit Hotel in Tacloban City, the event brought together an estimate of 221 scholars alongside esteemed guests to facilitate their transition into the next phase of their professional lives. The conference offered essential advice, encouragement to help them navigate post-graduation endeavors.

The program commenced with essential formalities, including a formal acknowledgement of participants delivered by Ms. Jean Gay O. Ragub, Senior Science Research Specialist and Scholarship Technical Coordinator. Following this, Dr. John Glenn D. Ocana, Regional Director of DOST Region 8, extended welcoming address, highlighting the region’s immense pride in its scholars. The conference featured an inspirational message delivered by Engr. Albert G. Mariño, Deputy Director of the DOST-SEI, who underscored the crucial role these scholars are poised to play in the nation’s scientific and technological advancement. A keynote address was provided by Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, whose inspirational message encouraged scholars to pursue excellence and make meaningful societal contributions. Secretary Solidum shared his “EARTHly” core values for public service, emphasizing Excellence (striving for continuous improvement), Aligned Ambition (grounded in the right perspectives), Respect and Responsibility (for differing opinions and in relating to others), Trust (fostering mutual trust), and finally, the Heart (passion for service and finding happiness in one’s work).

Distinguished speakers delivered a series of insightful presentations throughout the day, addressing diverse topics crucial for the professional development and preparedness of the scholars. Ms. Karla H. Calibo, Science Research Specialist from the DOST-SEI, delivered a comprehensive session on scholarship guidelines and obligations, ensuring that the graduating scholars fully understood their responsibilities as beneficiaries of the DOST-SEI program and their role in national development. This was complemented by a discussion by Engr. Albert Marino on graduate scholarship opportunities offered by DOST, opening doors for those aspiring to pursue further studies in specialized fields of science and technology.

Recognizing the inherent challenges often associated with major life transitions— a topic particularly timely and relevant for the scholars, the conference included a dedicated segment addressing fear and anxiety led by Ms. Ruth Edsel Rylle B. Sadian-Cercado, Chairperson of the Division of Social Sciences at UP Tacloban College. This session offered practical strategies, including journalling prompts, cognitive reframing, and mindfulness practices to support scholars’ mental well-being and cultivate resilience as they embark on their professional journeys. An open forum followed, allowing scholars direct engagement with the speakers before a scheduled lunch break.

Moving on, the program featured a truly compelling DOST-SEI scholar testimonial from Atty. Jenny V. Longjas, the Manager of the Corporate Planning & Energy Trading Department at LEYECO II. Her heartfelt address showcased how the scholarship profoundly impacted not only her professional success, but her entire life. She highlighted how it instilled in her the confidence to effectively merge her electrical engineering background with her legal career. Furthermore, she emphasized how DOST opened doors that fostered a deep commitment to serve the people.

The afternoon session delved into further career development as Atty. Flordeliza C. Algas, Assistant Regional Director of Civil Service Commission (CSC) Region VIII, provided valuable insights into resume writing and job interview skills. Her session covered how to effectively present a resume, complete a Personal Data Sheet (PDS), and provided crucial dos and don’ts for successful job interviews. This was followed by Ms. Eva D. Rosales, Administrative Officer V from DepEd RO VIII, who delivered an important orientation on the DepEd deployment of RA 10612 and RA 7687 scholars, detailing opportunities for service within the Department of Education. Subsequently, Mr. Peter Philip B. Pates, Information System Analyst from DOLE RO VIII, presented various career opportunities in the Philippines. He also provided a realistic overview of the job hunting process, emphasizing the critical importance of understanding current labor market information. Another inspiring DOST-SEI scholar testimonial was shared by Dr. Mark Lester P. Laurente, Director of the Information Technology Support Office and Director of the Sports Development Office at LNU. The program also included Ms. Lakeisha A. Separa, Head of the Alumni Affairs Committee at RADAR, who introduced the Alumni Committee to foster sustained connections among scholars. A final open forum was conducted to address additional questions.

The conference concluded with a closing message from Dr. Ramil T. Uy, Director of PSTO-So. Leyte. The 2025 DOST-SEI Exit Conference successfully provided Region 8’s scholars with comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and ongoing inspiration, preparing them to contribute significantly to the scientific and technological advancement of the Philippines.