DOST-SEI Official Statement on Scholars' Stipends

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) DOST-SEI would like to assure the public and all stakeholders of its continuing commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of all our scholars amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They recently consulted with the various universities under the National Science Consortium (NSC) towards revisiting their existing policies and revising these where possible so as to help the scholars better cope with these trying times.

In particular, they are looking at ways to help scholars receive funding in a more timely manner given the adjustments and concessions that universities have had to undertake in the wake of the pandemic. They are also revisiting policies on the disbursement of funds so as to better provide for their needs above and beyond the demands of the classroom—an urgent concern, given how many of them have been thrust into the thick of research early in their programs.

They recognize that the unusual circumstances of the ongoing pandemic have necessitated major changes and adjustments across all sectors of society, and it behooves them to join hands with their scholars and stakeholders in working through this temporary period of upheaval and uncertainty.

The stipends for current undergraduate and graduate scholars were already released in full in the latter half of this year. Meanwhile, they are working for the prompt release of stipends for new scholars within the coming months. As they make these adjustments, they are looking forward to improving their services through constant dialogue with the NSC, scholars, and stakeholders.

DOST-SEI remains committed to working towards a COVID-free society, with science in full service of the Filipino people.

State of Qatar in Manila delivers aid to Philippine Red Cross for typhoon victims

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Ambassador of the State of Qatar in Manila delivers more than 40 tons of urgent humanitarian aid to the Philippine Red Cross for victims and those affected by typhoon (VAMCO) in the Philippines

With directives of His Highness Sheikh/ Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, "may Allah protect him", to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the victims and those who were affected by the recent super typhoon (VAMCO) that struck the Philippines, His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Maliki, Ambassador of the State of Qatar In the Republic of the Philippines, on Friday, December 04, 2020, handed over to Senator/ Richard Gordon, President of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), during an official turn-over ceremony held at the (PRC) building, more than 40 tons of various food and non-food items, shelter, tents, water and sanitation units, generators, rescue boats, and other items, provided by Qatar Fund.

The urgent humanitarian aid - that arrived at Manila Airport (NAIA) on Friday morning on- board Emiri Air Force cargo plane - comes through an air bridge “Airlift” from the Qatari Armed Forces, as it comes within the framework of the Qatari extended bid to help friends in the Republic of the Philippines, and a commitment from the State of Qatar to alleviate the suffering of the victims, and to strengthen International efforts in the field of emergency relief.

It is worthy to note that Senator/ Richard Gordon, President of the Philippine Red Cross, praised Qatar aid and thanked Qatar for its humanitarian efforts, considering the State of Qatar key and strategic partner of the Philippines in this field, through its support for the Qatar Red Crescent, which works in coordination with the local partner, the Philippine Red Cross. Senator / Gordon also mentioned some examples of projects and contributions provided by the State of Qatar to the Philippines during the last period.

It is worth noting that the Qatari humanitarian aid program is implemented in cooperation and partnership between Qatar Charity and the Qatar Red Crescent, while the materials on the ground will be distributed urgently to those affected by the super typhoon in coordination between the Qatari Red Crescent and the Philippine Red Cross.

Is Roque aiming to be a tourism promoter at our expense?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

He's been to Subic, Boracay, Baguio, Cebu, and now Palawan. Is he doing this travel spree using his own budget?

Harry Roque seems to have delusions of grandeur. He is a legend in his own mind, a hero to his ego. He thinks he is above and beyond all of us, and worst is he is proud of it.

This guy is something else. Ibang klaseng nilalang. Since when did a Presidential Spokesperson became a tourism promoter? Maski ako nalito na sa job description niya. Papalitan ba niya Secretary ng Tourism. We see more of him than Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat....or even the head of Tourism Promotions Board. It's alright to help out but not to the expense of overshadowing the real tourism peeps.

Is that part of the job description? I think there are more important tasks he has to do being a Spox especially when all of his statements have been questionable. He needs to improve his craft first before he goes spending government funds on his sponsored travels.

Sorry, but he did not pass the audition for travel spokesperson. There is nothing about him that will persuade people to visit places. Next applicant, please. 

Maybe he’s promoting “It’s More Funny in the Philippines!” because that is what he is for most of us....a laughing stock?!

Whenever I see him, I am waiting for the punchlines. Those moments when it's time to laugh out loud with this comedian who was a former human rights lawyer but set it aside when he became, twice, a Spokesperson for Malacañang.

I have to admit that it is tough to set aside your integrity and credibility so I guess the rewards are too great that he is willing to be become one of the clowns of the government.

But it is not a laughing matter when the country and it's people are in stake.