Introducing Philip P. Valebia, a fourth-year civil engineering student at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University – Talisay and a proud DOST-SEI R.A. 7687 undergraduate scholar.

For Philip, school often feels like a constant struggle—a relentless search for clarity, as if trapped in a dark room, looking for the way out. Despite the overwhelming pressures, he has learned that giving up has never been an option. As both an engineering student and a scholar, Philip has found ways to manage the stress by fully utilizing the opportunities and privileges that come with being a DOST scholar.

His transformation into a catalyst for innovation began when he participated in The Filipino Patriot Scholars Program Leadership Camp in Cebu in August 2023. This experience ignited a spark within him. Shortly after the camp, he became one of the founding members of the DOST Scholars’ Association at CHMSU, where he began organizing initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of his fellow scholars and serving the broader community.

He came to realize that his scholarship was not just financial support—it was a lifeline, helping him stay focused and driven to complete his degree. What once felt like a dull college routine has now become a rewarding and transformative experience.

“As the founding president of the DOST-SEI Scholars Association at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, I believe I am a catalyst in fostering a sense of community among scholars, empowering them to make meaningful contributions within and beyond the academic sphere,” Valebia reflects on his role as a scholar-leader.

Through the opportunities provided by DOST-SEI, such as leadership training and technopreneurship workshops, Philip’s ambitions and skills have grown beyond the technical aspects of civil engineering. These opportunities have allowed him to connect with other scholars nationwide and strengthened his resolve to contribute meaningfully to the field of civil engineering and sustainable development. He now sees himself not just as an engineer in the making but as a proactive force for innovation and progress.

Currently serving as the Deputy Director of the DOST Scholars’ Association in Region VI (SAIS), Philip envisions a community of scholars in  Western Visayas who lead with integrity, innovate with purpose, and serve their communities with passion. He believes that, together, they have the potential to shape a brighter future for the Filipino nation. (MLGArticuna/DOST-STHRDS)