Yasmien C. Iroy and Donel Christian J. Burgos, both BS Architecture, and Yo Anne Audrey E. Ortega, BS Biology, were among the 22 DOST scholars from Davao Region who qualified after responding to the July 26, 2025, email invitation from DOST-DEI Director Dr. Jayeel Cornelio.
The DOST-SEI organized NPSC 2025 to gather together the DOST scholars, whom they named “Patriots,” to network and, ultimately, to help effect inclusive national development in their student life and future careers.
According to the DOST-SEI bulletins, the NPSC’s objectives are:
- To cultivate a culture of critical thinking, innovation, and science-scholar volunteerism among DOST-SEI scholars in addressing local and national issues for nation-building;
- To provide an avenue for scholars to develop sustainable youth leadership through a platform of shared volunteer initiatives and structured organizational support;
- To strengthen the capacity of scholar regional councils and university associations and organizations through building linkages and networks for collaboration activities;
- To institutionalize science-scholar volunteerism through the formalization of the National Council of Patriot Scholars; and
- To develop a gender-responsive scholars’ congress that fosters equitable participation and representation of scholars from diverse backgrounds.
These objectives guided the participants through a variety of activities throughout the congress, from the opening and closing ceremonies, a number of inspirational speakers, plenary sessions, leadership mentoring, storytelling, singing, and fellowship. Athlete, broadcaster, and volunteer Ms. Gretchen Ho was the keynote speaker.
Iroy and Burgos had the opportunity to pitch youth-led S&T solutions to tackle local issues in Davao Region alongside fellow Davao Region delegates Jeff Pausal (BS Computer Science, Univ. of Southeastern Phils.) and Mohamidin Mamalapat (BS Biology, Ateneo de Davao Univ.) at the World Cafe session of the NPSC.
“To celebrate the end of the Congress, delegates gathered for a farewell dinner and party,” reported BSA student Burgos. “The night was capped off with a concert by SUD, filling the venue with music and energy. Delegates sang, danced, and cherished their last night together, cementing bonds of friendship and shared purpose,” he said.
“The concert marked not just an end, but a new beginning—sending the Patriot Scholars home inspired, empowered, and united by music, service, and science,” he said.
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