MORE than a thousand students from Marinduque are now closer to becoming Philippine Science High School (PSHS) scholars after the National Competitive Examination (NCE) Caravan visited all municipalities of the island province from September 1 to 5, 2025.

Led by nine staff from the DOST–PSHS System Office of the Executive Director, the caravan toured elementary schools across the province to inform incoming Grade 7 students about the scholarship program, its requirements, and its benefits.

The week-long activity began with courtesy calls to the Provincial Government of Marinduque, DOST-MIMAROPA, the DOST Provincial S&T Center–Marinduque, and the DepEd–Marinduque Division, all of which pledged support to strengthen outreach and improve scholar retention.

Last year’s campaign drew a little over 700 applicants, but this year’s intensified effort saw more than 1,300 students applying for the competitive exam.

“This outreach activity is part of the PSHS System’s nationwide drive to discover and develop the country’s brightest minds in STEM,” the school said in a statement.

“This ensures that every Filipino child with the potential to excel in science and technology is given the chance to transform their future—and the nation’s,” it added.