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A true inspiration for the young generation and another pride for General Santos City as Ms. Julean Quefannie Faith Federizo, 20, ranked top 2 at the recently concluded Licensure Examination for Teachers last September 2019.

Ms. Julean is a graduate of BS Education Major in Biology at Mindanao State University General Santos City Campus. Her life story is no big different, yet her dedication and perseverance placed her in an epitome of academic recognition when she graduated Cum Laude late June of 2019.

Julean is the eldest among her two other sisters and she grew up bearing a greater responsibility not only as a diligent student, but also a loving daughter.

“Hirap kami sa buhay. Si Mama, mananahi. Si Papa, nagtatrabaho sa isang Canning Company dito sa GenSan.” Julean narrated.

But her lifelong dream to become a medical doctor someday made her decide to take up BS Education Major in Biology so she could still land a job after schooling.

Julean was motivated to finish her college degree and at the same time, help her parents. And it was an answered prayer when she became a DOST SEI S&T Undergraduate Scholar under RA 7687 which provides scholarships to talented and deserving students whose families’ socio-economic status do not exceed set cut-off values of certain indicators.

The scholarship grant has helped Julean cope with school’s requirements, projects, and other necessary expenses. And more than that, she was able to help her parents with the allowance she was receiving for the past four years.

“I gave my ATM to my mother. It was my way of helping them with our finances at home. I only ask little allowance for my studies,” said Julean.

The scholarship had created possibilities and opportunities for Julean. She said she was more determined with her studies knowing the standard that she had to maintain to keep her scholarship. It was not a pressure, but more of a motivation.

And as the time arrived for her to take up the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), Julean has strived with a mantra, that is to top the board exam. Claim it, aim it. It was through her diligence, perseverance and a lot of prayer that her dreams are slowly becoming her reality.

“God’s plans are bigger than ours. I was doing my part and I left the rest to Him,” Julean said as she was asked what was her secret to success.

She is now currently teaching at a private school in General Santos City. But she plans to apply for public school to render her return-of-service to the people and give back her blessings and share her knowledge.

Six (6) more DOST SEI Scholars from SOCCSKSARGEN region conquered the LET and made it to top 10. Ms. Marchee Karen Diaz, graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics from MSU GenSan Campus ranked top 5. Mr. Nasser Sabal, graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Biology at MSU GenSan Campus ranked top 6. Ms. Glendel Cayabyab, graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Biology from University of Southern Mindanao (USM)- Kabacan, ranked top 9. Mr. Kristhony June Gomez, graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Biological Sciences from USM- Kabacan, ranked top 10. Mr. Efren Nicolas Andraque, Jr., graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics from MSU GenSan Campus, ranked top 9. Lastly, Mr. Joey Maravillas, graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Biology at MSU GenSan Campus, ranked top 10.

DOST SEI Undergraduate Scholarships help to mold young talented Filipino youths to pursue lifetime productive careers in science and technology to steer the country towards national progress.