To ensure that its new scholars would do excellent academic performance in College, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) once again conducted a month-long Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program (SOEP) on May 2-30, 2008, at the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) in Tacloban City, Leyte.

The whole month training program was carefully designed to prepare psychologically and academically the new DOST scholars for their first year in college.

The training consisted of a Refresher Course focused on four (4) areas namely: Basic English, Mathematics for College, Psycho-social Skills Development, and Computer Literacy.

Select resource persons from DOST 8, EVSU, Leyte Normal University (LNU) delivered all the 4 subject areas.

Lessons on Basic English which included Grammar, Usage, and Technical Writing.  These were delivered by Ms. Ma. Rocini Tenesas and Mr. Dominador Padlinawan both professors of the LNU. 

The mathematics lessons on College Algebra, Trigonometry, and, Analytic Geometry were delivered by Engr. Ma. Leah Abad of the Eastern Visayas State University.

Dr. Josie Y. Refuerzo, also of EVSU, lectured on Coping with College Life and Setting Priorities, Study Improvement and Learning Styles, and Time and Stress Management.

And, the Computer Literacy trainings on the use of various Microsoft Office Applications such as Word, Excel, and Powerpoint were delivered by DOST8 personnel namely, Ms. Divina Gracia, Ms. Cleendy Lagunzad, and this writer.

A total of 184 hours were devoted to the conduct of the SOEP, broken down as follows: Registration/ Orientation = 4 hours; Pre & Post Tests for English and Mathematics = 4 hours; English = 48 hours; Mathematics = 82 hours; Psycho-Socials = 12 hours; Computer Literacy = 12 hours; and, Evaluation and Closing Program = 4 hours.

To ensure maximization of learning experience, attendance of DOST scholars were closely monitored. Participants were instructed to register not later than 9 May 2008.  Scholar-participants were excused from the SOEP classes only during enrollment period and for one (1) day only. For this, he/she should show a schedule of enrollment or school registration form.  Monitoring of daily attendance was done and was used as basis for the release of stipend to the scholars.  A stipend of P3,000 given to the scholar-participant who has complete attendance. However, those who incurred absences in the SOEP sessions, a deduction of P100 for each day of absence made.

The SOEP culminated with post test for the Math and English subjects in the morning of May 30, and with a lively dinner party at the Ritz Tower De Leyte, Tacloban City, that started 6 pm of the same day.