Honed with an interest in the fields of science and mathematics, Franklin’s curiosity sparked and motivated him to study which was later marked by his academic achievements from elementary to high school. Not to mention, he was part of the pioneer batch of the K to 12 education curriculum in the country.

Considering family financial limitations pushed him to apply for and pass the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) undergraduate scholarship, under the Republic Act No. 7687 program.

“It is one of, if not, the best scholarship that is being offered for students that want to delve into the programs of STEM here in the Philippines. It does not only offer financial privileges but also the privilege to be one of the best STEM undergraduate students in the country,” he explained.

Meanwhile, his tuition and other school fees were covered by the Republic Act No. 10931 or the "Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act."

“Because of the scholarship programs, I was able to become financially independent during my undergraduate study and it even helped with a few of the expenses at home. I was able to buy the gadgets and textbooks that made studying easier,” Franklin added.

However, despite the said financial support, he admitted that his academic journey was never an all-the-time happy story.

“Given that I took an engineering program, studying itself was never

Being motivated by the things that lie ahead of him and the people around him, those did not stop him from continuing. He then reached his senior year, and yet another academic struggle popped out but this time, something that would decide if he will finish the course or not – thesis.

Although a lot of candles burned during the sleepless nights, he shared that he almost became pessimistic that he will not get it done before the semester ends. Nevertheless, he completed the thesis requirements and submitted them on time. To note, part of his RA 7687 grant was a thesis allowance worth P10,000.

With this, Franklin made it through his college life and marched with flying colors as one of the UP Visayas cum laude graduates of batch 2022. In addition, a P1,000 graduation allowance capped his scholarship grant from DOST-SEI.

Then, on the 22nd of May, the whole family jumped for joy as the result of the Chemical Engineers Licensure Exam came out bearing the name of Franklin as one of the passers.

A surreal moment for him, but the formula to success he used from his journey at the university until he accomplished the exam worked out and equated to the onset of his professional flight.

Returning the favor, Franklin is now preparing for employment to commence his “return of service” to the country as one of the terms of the RA 7687 scholarship program.

“I am trying to apply to jobs that are more inclined to the application of my career. I really want to work where I could learn more and grow into an even better person,” he concluded.

Now Engr. Garion gave advice to striving scholars like him to “do what works for them depending on the situation they are in and on the goal they want to achieve; and, in times that they lack motivation, seek discipline.” (AAL/FRG/PIA6)