Graphics by Catherina Capili

EVSUnistas Johnrey Asturias and Glennel Faith Advincula of the Department of Science and Technology – EVSU Scholars’ Council for Leadership Assistance and Responsibilities (DOST-ESCoLAR) showcased their skills in leadership, knowlesge, and service at the recently concluded National Patriot Scholars Congress (NPSC) 2026, held at Koronadal City, South Cotabato, from September 3 to 6.

Both scholars also represented the Eastern Visayas Region in the Mr. and Ms. NPSC 2026, with the pair claiming the Best in Evening Gown and Formal Wear award, and Advincula being hailed as 2nd runner-up in the Ms. NPSC competition.

The said congress aimed to cultivate science-driven leaders, and service-oriented DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) scholars by broadening their knowledge and awareness of various local and national issues.

Throughout the congress, mutilple plenary talks and workshops also took place, highlighting the significance of science, technology, and innovation in strengthening the scholars’ commitment to volunteerism and public service.

In his Final Charge message, Director IV of DOST-SEI, Dr. Jayeel Cornelio challenged the scholarsto become a generation willing to questkon existing norms, listen to people’s stories, and rewritting the narratives that shape their communities.

“To be disruptive is to be radical: listen to people, listen to their stories. If scripts are just words, you have the power to rewrite them. I wish for you all to become a disruptive generation,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Advincula, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) student, shared that Dr. Cornelio’s call to “be disruptive,”
reminded her that scholars and leaders should challenge the status quo and drive positive change in their communities.

“To me, this was a reminder of what it truly means to be a scholar and a leader. To be disruptive is to challenge the status quo, and therefore be a driver of positive change that our communities desperately need,” said Advincula.

The two EVSUnistas was part of the 411 undergraduate DOST-SEI scholars across the country, with the event bearing the theme, “Facing the Nation: Science, Service, and the Filipino Scholar.”

Article by Carl Anthony Dotingco