The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI) scholarship program not only brings into being scholar graduates, but scholars who graduate with top academic honors in their respective institutions. Among the exceptional scholars is Dr. Venus Saz of Cebu Technological University (CTU) Tuburan. She graduated from the University of the Philippines Los Banos last June 23, 2018. She took up a Ph.D. in Soil Science major in Soil chemistry.
To become an outstanding DOST scholar especially at the University of the Philippines (UP) is hard-hitting. An aspiring outstanding scholar should have no grades beyond 2.0 based on the University of the Philippines grading standard system. The passing percentage is 80% for graduate students and she/he should have a general average during graduation of 1.5 and should graduate on the dot based on the time frame given by the graduate school and DOST.
Dr. Saz undeniably surpasses it all as she was awarded as an outstanding DOST scholar last July 18, 2018 at the Meeting Room 1 of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
When asked about her secrets, she humbly answered, “In every situation and struggle, I don’t lose hope. I pray and maintain good study habits instead. I make studying part of the family routine. I submit all the requirements on time; aim to be always on the top during exams, I minimize chatting with friends by staying focused on the objectives set”.
In addition, she made sure that she excels in the arena of research. She made it to the point that her research is of benefit to the community. One of which made her be one of the exceptional DOST scholars is her study on Phytoremediation and the effects of soil amendments on chromium and nickel uptake in lowland rice soils affected by mining activities. The outcome of this study can serve as a basis for mitigating heavy metal pollution in the affected area particularly to the communities near the mining sites/industry; landfills or other anthropogenic activities that can cause a major source of farmland heavy metal contamination for both soil and water.
Her accomplishments must have inspired and influenced her colleagues as well as the people in her respective community. Her research must have transformed a community with a lasting positive impact on people and to the country.
Our Belief that achievements, which resulted in positive change, or innovations that addressed major societal concerns, should be highlighted and widely shared./Angen May Fabro-Charcos