The Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) is one of the universities in the Philippines granted by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) to offer scholarships in selected graduate programs in science and technology. 

Under the program entitled “Science and Technology Regional Alliance of Universities for National Development (STRAND) for the Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) Program (STRAND-N),” the LSPU now offers the following:

a. Under STRAND N1: grants graduate scholarships to faculty and researchers in the following programs:
- Master of Science in Fisheries (MS Fisheries, Los Baños Campus)
- Master in Information Technology (MIT, Sta. Cruz Campus and San Pablo City Campus)
- Master of Science in Agriculture Major in Animal Science (MS Agri, Siniloan Campus)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture Major in Crop Science (PhD Agri, Siniloan Campus)

b. Under STRAND N2: recognized scholarship-delivering institution for the programs:
- Master in Information Technology (MIT, Siniloan Campus)
- Master of Science in Agriculture Major in Crop Science (MS Agri, Siniloan Campus)

The programs under the STRAND N1 of LSPU are also subject to becoming a part of the degree-granting institution status (N2) provided the compliance to strengthen the faculty profile of the colleges. To comply with this requirement, the LSPU is also qualified and therefore may send faculty members to study relevant doctorate degrees under DOST-SEI scholarship programs. 

Dr. Mario R. Briones, University President, was one of the heads of the 23 selected higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country who participated in the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the DOST-SEI and Various Universities under the Project STRAND-N held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Feb. 14.

People behind the success of the application and processing of requirements for this project included Dr. Robert C. Agatep, Vice President for Research Development and Extension; Vice Presidents; Campus Directors; Dr. Francis Balahadia, Dean of the College of Computer Studies; Dr. Marc Sylvester Garcia, Dean of the College of Agriculture; faculty members of CCS and CA; and other officials and employees. 

The graduate scholarship program has started its implementation under the Graduate Studies and Applied Research Department (GSAR) of the concerned colleges: College of Computer Studies (CCS) and College of Agriculture (CA).

Interested applicants may visit the offices of the concerned colleges to learn more about the application process. 

Photo credit: Dr. Francis Balahadia