A Call For Help – DOST Woes
03 Aug 2009
Originally posted on: http://urriza.net/blog/2009/08/a-call-for-help/
The Short Version
I have been accepted to the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) Electrical Engineering Ph.D. Program and am about to start this Fall 2009 term with full financial support (~$50,000) for the 1st year. I have a ticket to LA scheduled to depart on August 30, 2009 and have also made a downpayment on a UCLA owned graduate student housing (1 year contract).
However, my service obligation to DOST prohibits me from leaving the country for the next 7 years without posting a bond amounting to Php 364,000. I do not have this money and have tried everything in my power to get around it, to no avail. The only conclusion left — I would have to raise the money in less than a month. If I fail… I would miss what I believe to be one of the greatest opportunities that ever came along for a a guy like me. 
I will not fail.
The Slightly Longer Version
I have benefited from DOST’s financial support for virtually my entire academic life (Philippine Science High School, DOST Merit Scholar – BS CoE, DOST AHRDP – MS EE). For those in the same boat as I am, or even those with relatives that are DOST scholars, you know that this support comes with a price. For every year of study, you are required to render a year of service to your country. So for example, I need to work in the Philippines for 7 years before DOST finally gives me clearance.
Personally, I do not have any issues about working in my own country. I would never have signed the DOST contract if I had the slightest wish to work abroad. I like it here, weird as that might sound to the majority of the Filipino population. In fact, I barely thought of ever leaving the country except for short vacations and such. But, circumstances change, and now I have been given the chance of a life time. To pursue the academic dream and get my Ph.D. from one of the leading universities the world over. Unfortunately, I would have to travel abroad to do it.
So I went to DOST and asked if I could defer my service obligation for approximately 4-5 years (the length of time to get my Ph.D.). Here’s what they said:
You may be allowed to defer your service obligation provided you shall post an amount equivalent to the total financial assistance you received as a DOST-SEI scholar + 12% interest (Php 364,000). In posting the required bond, you have the following options:
Option 1: Post a cash bond with SEI (cash basis)
Option 2: Post a surety bond with GSIS (with collateral)
As I’ve said, I do not have that money. OK, I have a little, but my projected expenses for the first month of study renders that amount useless (this includes rent, airfare, food, stuff not covered by financial aid). Our house does not have a “clean” title (i.e. GSIS owns it until my parents housing loan is paid in full – not happening in the foreseeable future). I have also tried (correction: still trying) to work my way around the bond through a deed of undertaking which is similar to a promissory note. Things are looking bleak though, what with the sloooow process, DOST bigwigs out-of-the-country, and overall lack of support at their end.
Bottom line is: I will probably end up paying the bond anyway just to keep my August 30 deadline and not end up wasting the money I have invested so far in this endeavour as well as turning my back on my dreams.
So here it is. The point of this whole post. I need your help in raising Php364,000 in less than a month so that I could pursue my dreams and get my UCLA Ph.D. If this sounds desperate to you, don’t worry, it probably is to anyone (even me). So without further ado, I present:
Fund The Pinoy
a.k.a. send mr. urriza to UCLA fund drive
Fund The Pinoy FAQ:
Q: Are you crazy? High? Mentally disturbed?
A: No. I’m perfectly fine! A little desperate maybe, but fine.
Q: How much do you need to raise?
A: Php 364,000
Q: Do you honestly think this would work?
A: I’ve done the math and based on my optimistically estimated probability of a positive response and the number of people I plan to send this to, it should. Anyway, it’s better than doing nothing.
Q: I don’t have much, can I still help?
A: Although it would be so much easier if people gave larger amounts since this would greatly increase the chances of this harebrained scheme working, I would be perfectly happy and infinitely grateful for even Php 1,000 from you. I don’t think anything lower would be advisable considering the logistics and overhead cost.
Q: What do I get back?
A: Besides the satisfaction of having helped a Pinoy go to UCLA and pursue his dreams… You get your money back in 4-5 years with additional interest based on prevailing time-deposit rates. You even get better time-deposit rates since larger deposits have higher interest rates and I will be able to pool approximately Php 364,000 if everything goes according to plan. I’m also thinking of giving a little memento to you once I graduate.
Q: Can I get my money earlier?
A: If you really need it, and I’m capable, this could be arranged. So long as you give ample time for me to prepare.
Q: OK. I’m in a giving mood today… How do I send you the money?
A: If you are interested in helping me, or if you have a question about how this would all work out, please email: fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net. At the risk of identity theft, I dare not release any details in this blog. Just email and I’ll get back to you as soon as I possibly can.
Q: Do you have some sort of deadline?
A: If I do it really really fast, I could probably arrange everything in a week. So that means, I should have the money by: August 23, 2009.
Q: Hi! I know you personally… Can I just give it to you in person?
A: OK. No problem. 
Q: I can’t really spare any money right now… What can I do to help?
A: No amount of Bond money could ever compare to prayer. Please pray for the success of Fund The Pinoy.
Q: I’m abroad. Can I still send money?
A: I’m sure that could be arranged. Again please email: fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net
Q: What if you still don’t raise enough?
A: Then the Lord has other plans. I will give the money back to you as soon as I’m able.
Q: I have other questions which are not listed here. Where can I contact you?
A: To be safe, I can only give out my email address: fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net
Q: I think you’re crazy and your stupid idea won’t work!
A: Technically, that’s not even a question. Well… I guess we’ll just have to see what happens. I will post a counter on the sidebar of my blog: http://urriza.net/blog (as soon as I figure out how). I believe in the power of the internet, of friends, of Pinoys, and of asking for help when you need it. I honestly hope you can help me.
Q: Is this one of those Internet scams?
A: No. If you need further convincing, email me at: fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net
Thanks to bananie for the name idea. Thanks to all my friends who have supported me so far. Thanks to my family. Thanks to the LORD.
P.S. Please show this post to anyone you think can help in my situation. Reposts, forwards, facebook notes, are most welcome.
fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net
EDIT: Upon the recommendation of one of the commenters, here is a copy of my acceptance letter from UCLA. As proof of the authenticity of this post.
EDIT: Current Progress of Fund the pinoy based on pledges is on the sidebar –>
37 Responses
Monday, August 3, 2009
Bring it on! You have my prayers and whatever little financial support I could muster up.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Hi..
Use the Law of Attraction and you can attract what ever you want.
Learn the one minute meditation and you can attract what ever you want. check this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx7pKGnKoDc
Amarjit Singh Kullar
Monday, August 3, 2009
Hi
I’ve just been forwarded this blogpost.
A few suggestions that might help (and hopefully not waste your time)
* a quick easy link to your CV (even if the personal details are blotted out)
* a counter like you mentioned, but also a counter for the number of donors (a bit premature now, maybe, but also supposed to be optimistically expecting and encourager to others to share and keep the faith)
* a sliding scale on how much money there is left to raise (or already collected, depending on your taste) with deadline. this would help people keep a target in sight on if they need to give more (if a second time), or to see how much left they can push.
Hope that helps and God Bless.
-J
Monday, August 3, 2009
P. I. M. Urriza!
More than money, you deserve international recognition of your genius.
Parami na tayo rito. Punzki, Yecartes, Brian, Albert…
We are the next Chicago Boys to create another Miracle of Chile in the Philippines.
~Pablo Banila
Monday, August 3, 2009
Yo, i’ll post this sa plurk & twitter ko. hopefully someone would get to help you. =)
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Thank you so much to everyone who’s helping me meet my goals… I’ve received a lot of pledges. I’m working on an unofficial tally and will post as soon as I can.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
hello fellow dost scholar,
i wanna congratulate you for passing the phd program of ucla! hooray for dost scholars! i wanna help you dude with whatever support i can give. but i dunno how to send my moral support. good luck!
sushi boi
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Congratulations on your acceptance to UCLA. This is a great opportunity for your growth and potential contributions to the country. I don’t know you personally but I’d like to help, though not financially.
You can add a Donate button on your website that uses Paypal as the payment gateway. People can donate to you directly through bank transfer or credit card payments.
You can contact me if you need more information.
Just to give more confidence to people about the authenticity of your plea, you may post a scanned copy of your acceptance letters, other UCLA documents (even with your name blanked out) on your blog.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
I’d like to help but what do you plan to do after you get your PHD? What career path are you thinking of?
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Hi
saw your link at Fed’s multiply acct. As much as I want to help, I can only afford to give an equivalent of a week’s allowance right now. Please send me an email if you’re interested. 
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
i wish you luck in raising that amount. i believe that god will provide
hope you’ll come back to the country after your stint at UCLA. =)
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Grr why do I only get to read this today when I don’t have the financial means to help anymore. Sucks since I think I could have spent it on other important things. Oh well, hey, don’t get me wrong, this is not meant to turn you down, it’s meant to turn me down.
Don’t worry, I will spread this around, and hope it gets to the right ears (with the right pockets). Galing galing talaga ng Pinoy! Saludo ako!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
@suba and @everyone else wondering: I have been teaching at UP for 2 years now, as a teaching associate. So to answer the question, I plan to pursue a career in the academe and do research. That’s why I want a Ph.D.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
hey! pls email me. i want to help =)
put a paypal button! hehe or put gcash details?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Bro, rogelio here. way to go man! we’re gonna make it. tell me where to send my money or when are you in SJDM, so i can give it personally to you.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
@flamerounin: you can email me at fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net for details on how to help.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Sir, it was indicated that the seven digit id number was confidential.
you might want to edit it. anyways. congrats!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
@Rigor: yeah thanks for that. but the 7 digit id number has expired already since I’ve accepted my slot. It won’t work anymore. You need a password to login to my account already. Thanks.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Pau! Waw, you’re almost there! I wish you all the best. God bless.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
congrats sir pau, malapit na!!!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Hi. I read about your plight sa yoopee multiply blog. I really want to help you out but I’m currently having financial difficulties as well. Wah!! I hope and pray that you would be able to raise the money before your deadline.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
“Q: What if you still don’t raise enough?
A: Then the Lord has other plans. I will give the money back to you as soon as I’m able.”
Well, if you still don’t raise enough, that also means that you have other options. Supposing you don’t raise enough money, I think it’s quite probable that you will still be able to go to UCLA by at least showing them that you really gave your best in trying to generate funds for your study abroad. People will support you for this. If not all, I know I would.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Dear Amarjit Singh Kullar,
Please take the BS to somewhere else. Positive thinking can only do so much. I think of world peace every single day. But obviously, the amount of action needed to achieve that is much greater than what I can imagine. It’s just an example. but for world peace to work, it needs everyone’s contribution.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Have you been to DFA? Perhaps the secretary would help you for your problem if the issue is that your name is on the list of Temporary Hold Departure Order. Rather than accumulating such amount of money approach the problem in a different way.
How about a help from a senator? Or from the President herself? You can do that while you are accumulating the amount you stated.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
hello, i wish you could fulfill your dreams, and i want to help you realize it. the phil is should take good care of peoplpe like you. Let me know how to send the cash, to your bank acct?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
congrats pau!!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Sir Paulo,
Congrats!
I hope you’ll do great there and come back with a lot more insights and inputs to help our country.
May this movement also serve as a wake up call for considerations of revising the scholarship program of DOST.
Godspeed!
c”,-/
Thursday, August 6, 2009
WOAH. you already reached your goal? NICE! wala pang friday ah!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Onga e! Astig. It’s mostly just pledges right now.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Hi,
Please email me your account details para makatulong ako kahit unti lang 
Kakabasa ko lang nung email from the circuit egroup. Based dun sa meter, mukhang malapit ka na.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Hi Mr. Urriza,
My sister told me you’re currently teaching at UPD. Why don’t you ask endorsement from UP? I had a similar problem last year 2006. Naka study leave ako for Ph.D. until 2012 and I’m a DOST scholar-graduate like you.
Just write a request of endorsement, have it approved by your dept chair and college dean (c/o Mam Gev), then Chancellor. They should then write an endorsement letter, you bring it to DOST-SEI, and you should get your travel clearance endorsement within 3 days.
- Bryan
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Ill send your link to my friends. Good luck!!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Hi,
I’m your mom’s friend from elementary in Mindoro. I’m now residing in California.
Please e-mail me how to send to your account.
Best regards and congratulations.
Rosalind
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Pau, may tanong lang ako. How come DOST is telling you that you can “defer” your service obligation provided that you pay them an amount equivalent sa itinulong nila sayo? Di ba since nireimburse mo na lahat ng ginastos nila, dapat lang na di ka na nila i-require ng service obligation afterwards?
I’m not saying na you shouldn’t go back to serve our country. Parang ang unfair lang na they’re making you pay the full amount eh you’re just asking na i-postpone muna yung obligation.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
@Ai: I’m not paying the amount. That’s why I have a money back guarantee. They are only holding the money in case I try to run. If I do, they get all the money (i.e. I’m dead, because it’s not my money). When I get back, I get the money 1 month after my arrival. After that, my plan is to contact everyone who gave their money and return it with the interest it gained. Paraang coop!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
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