October 27, 2025 — In a continued effort to promote academic excellence and honor the achievements of its graduates, the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) has approved a new incentive scheme granting higher cash rewards for national board topnotchers, effective 2026.

The new incentive program, approved through Board Resolution No. 66, s. 2025, underscores DEBESMSCAT’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding the outstanding accomplishments of its graduates who bring pride and honor to the institution through exemplary performance in national board examinations.

Under the enhanced incentive scheme, the Top 1 national board placer from DEBESMSCAT will receive ₱200,000, while those who achieve Top 2–3 will be awarded ₱100,000. Graduates who place Top 4–5 will receive ₱80,000, and those ranking Top 6–10 will be granted ₱60,000. The funds will be sourced from the Student Development Fund, reinforcing the college’s ongoing commitment to student welfare, achievement, and recognition.

This marks a significant increase from the previous incentive amounting ₱50,000 for Top 1, ₱40,000 for Top 2–5, and ₱25,000 for Top 6–10—approved by the Board of Trustees in April 2024. The revised incentive scheme aims to reflect the increasing rigor and competitiveness of licensure examinations while promoting a stronger culture of perseverance, discipline, and excellence among students.

DEBESMSCAT has long upheld a tradition of celebrating its graduates’ achievements in national board examinations. Over the years, the college has produced topnotchers in various professional fields, a testament to the institution’s academic quality and its faculty’s dedication to student success.

The policy revision is also grounded in national directives, particularly Republic Act No. 8292, or the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997, which grants state universities and colleges (SUCs) fiscal autonomy to establish institutional reward programs consistent with national policies. Moreover, CHED Memorandum Order No. 9, s. 2013on Enhanced Policies and Guidelines on Student Affairs and Services emphasizes the role of incentive programs in fostering student motivation, holistic growth, and institutional prestige.

By increasing the cash incentives, DEBESMSCAT aims to Inspire academic excellence by motivating students to strive for top-tier performance in their licensure examinations; uplift the college’s institutional reputation by consistently producing topnotchers who exemplify the quality of DEBESMSCAT education; and Demonstrate institutional support and pride in student accomplishments, reinforcing a culture of excellence and achievement within the college community.

The proposal, which underwent a thorough review by the Board of Trustees, also recognizes the increasing demands placed on aspiring professionals. Many topnotchers invest substantial time, effort, and personal resources in preparation for their board examinations, a reality that DEBESMSCAT acknowledges and honors through this enhanced reward system.

The total budget allocation for the incentive program amounts to ₱860,000 annually, covering all ranking tiers of national topnotchers. This initiative is expected to not only boost morale among students and faculty but also strengthen the college’s standing as a leading higher education institution in the Bicol Region.

With Board Resolution No. 66, s. 2025, DEBESMSCAT reaffirms its commitment to cultivating a new generation of top-performing professionals and graduates who embody the institution’s core values of excellence, integrity, and service. The move also signals the college’s dedication to continually raising academic standards and nurturing the best and brightest minds who will make meaningful contributions in their respective fields.

As DEBESMSCAT President and the Board of Trustees steer the college toward continued growth and innovation, this latest initiative serves as a testament to the institution’s enduring vision: to recognize excellence, reward perseverance, and inspire future leaders to reach greater heights.