Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Iloilo Science and Technology University with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education major in Science, Kristine Joy R. Cenit took a bold step forward by joining the 2024 Scholars Technopreneurship Training Program (STTP) of the DOST Science Education Institute. This training equips DOST scholars with essential skills and practical knowledge in technopreneurship, empowering them to conceptualize, launch, manage, and sustain innovative businesses.
After an intensive five-month journey, Kristine and her team, DaluBasa, emerged as the grand champions during the Demo Day held on November 24, 2024, at the Iloilo Convention Center. Their winning innovation, the READout (Reading Enhancement Assistance DigiApp), is designed to revolutionize literacy education by providing technology-enabled resources in English and Filipino. The team envisions this application as a transformative tool to enhance reading skills among school-age learners, ultimately contributing to a more literate and empowered society.
While her achievements are remarkable, Kristine’s journey to higher education wasn’t without challenges. The DOST scholarship, however, eased the financial burden of her education and inspired her to excel academically while fostering a deep passion for leadership and community service.
“This rare opportunity didn’t just offer me financial assistance but also knowledge, skills, and connections that nurtured my potential in unexpected ways,” Kristine shares. The DOST scholarship became a catalyst for her growth, helping her thrive academically, develop as a leader, and make meaningful contributions to society.
As the only DOST-SEI scholar in her batch, Kristine faced the daunting task of balancing academics, leadership roles, and family responsibilities. This juggling act required resilience and an unwavering sense of purpose.
“I used to neglect academics for student leadership, spending extra hours at school—even on holidays,” she reflects. Over time, she learned to prioritize, manage her time effectively, and set realistic goals. Small joys, like sharing meals with friends, engaging in heart-to-heart talks, or taking well-deserved breaks, became her way of staying grounded.
Her focus on balance and maintaining harmony extended to relationships with family and friends by scheduling outings in advance and aligning school commitments with personal events amidst her busy schedule.
Leadership became the platform through which Kristine transformed her aspirations into action. As the president of her university’s student council, she spearheaded initiatives such as community kitchens, vaccination drives, election registrations, blood donation campaigns, typhoon relief operations, and tree-planting activities.
These experiences deepened her understanding of service and advocacy. “It’s not just about fulfilling duties,” she explains. “It’s about empowering others, sharing resources, and creating lasting impact.”
Her journey with DOST-SEI also reshaped her long-term dreams. Growing up, her goal was to work abroad, earn a living, and lift her family out of poverty. However, the scholarship opened her eyes to opportunities within the country—opportunities that align with her mission of giving back.
“DOST-SEI taught me that I can contribute as a professional right here at home,” Kristine says. She now dreams of teaching science literacy, equipping the next generation with the tools to shape their own futures.
As part of DaluBasa, Kristine believes their innovative approach is rooted in addressing the existing educational crisis of the Philippines. As pre-service teachers, they observed students’ struggles with poor reading literacy caused by inadequate, low-quality, and unengaging resources. Their team envisions their application as a transformative solution, fostering resilience and innovation to reimagine education and uplift the country’s literacy system.
For Kristine, the journey is far from over. Reflecting on her experiences, she urges fellow and future scholars to seize every opportunity. “Use what you have to uplift your community,” she advises. “DOST-SEI has given us resources to improve our lives and benefit others. It is up to us to make the most of them.” (MLGArticuna/STHRDS)
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