NVSU, DOST-SEI launch 'first-of-its-kind' for BEST for IP Scholarship Program in the country
In another unprecedented milestone, Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) formalized its partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing and officially launched the Bridging Education in Science and Technology (BEST) for Indigenous Peoples (IP) Scholarship Program—the first initiative of its kind in the Philippines, held at the NVSU Mini Theater, Bayombong Campus, May 2.
The event gathered local leaders, DOST officials, university administrators and employees, DOST scholars and partners for development of NVSU in a collective push to expand access to science and technology education among Indigenous Peoples.
DOST-SEI Director Dr.Jayeel S. Cornelio emphasized the program’s national significance, describing it as a pioneering effort that could redefine the country’s scholarship landscape for IP communities.
“It is the first time that we are launching the first of its kind—a program that will shape, I’d like to believe, the landscape of IP scholarship programs in the Philippines,” Dr. Cornelio said.
According to him, NVSU was intentionally selected as the partner institution, citing its strong track record in serving Indigenous Peoples, with more than half of its graduates in the previous year coming from IP communities.
The BEST for IP program aims to reach “last-mile students,” particularly those from underserved and geographically isolated communities, ensuring that access to quality education becomes more inclusive and transformative.
In his message, University President Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale Jr. underscored the university’s strong commitment to expanding opportunities for all sectors, especially marginalized learners.
“Isa sa mga prayoridad ng NVSU under this humble administration is to open up many opportunities to all stakeholders of the university. Kung kaya itong mga ganitong unprecedented na programa ay napakagandang maipakita sa community ang ating pagiging seryoso,” Dr. Dumale expressed.
The university president also extended gratitude to the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya for its continued support in advancing NVSU’s inclusive education agenda.
Messages of support were delivered by key officials, including representatives of Hon. Benjamin L. Cuaresma III, Bambang Mayor; Hon. Antonio Sergio G. Bagasao, Bayombong Mayor; Hon. Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton, Congressman of the Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya, Hon. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, Governor of Nueva Vizaya, Hon. Flodemonte S. Gerdan, Sangguinan Panlalawigan Member and Chair for Education Committee and Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, Regional Director of DOST Region 02, and Dr. Harold V. Gallo, Campus Director of the DOST–Philippine Science High School Cagayan Valley Campus—all expressing strong backing for initiatives that uplift IP communities through education.
An overview of the scholarship program was presented by Mr. Peter Gerry P. Gavina, Chief Science and Technology Scholarship Division, DOST-SEI detailing its goals, scope, and implementation strategies aimed at nurturing future scientists and professionals from Indigenous backgrounds.
With the launch of BEST for IP, NVSU once again cements its role as a catalyst for inclusive development—breaking new ground as the first university in the country to host and implement a program of this scale dedicated to IPs, and reinforcing its reputation for trailblazing, community-centered innovations in higher education.
