14/03/2026
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1995 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholar
Founding President, ACCESS
Founder, ISKO-OPS
True patriotism isn't found in grand gestures, but in the tireless work of a man who chooses to be a bridge for his countrymen. To receive a scholarship is a gift; to spend a lifetime ensuring that gift reaches others is a lifelong calling.
Engr. Mark Gil Salvador Hizonโour beloved Sir Mark, or Kuya Mark to the thousands of scholars he mentoredโwas the living embodiment of the Filipino Scholar-Patriot. He understood that being an Iskolar ng Agham was never just a title for a resume; it was a sacred covenant with the nation. As a cornerstone of the DOST Scholar Community of Cagayan Valley, he proved that oneโs greatest work begins when gratitude is transformed into service.
Engr. Mark lived the core values of the Filipino Patriot Scholars with every action. His career was a testament to Professional Excellence, setting a high standard for all who worked alongside him. This devotion led him to serve as the Founding President of the Association of Cagayan Valleyโs Committed and Excellent Sci-Tech Scholars (ACCESS), the very first DOST-SEI Scholars Alumni Organization in the country, ensuring that the fire of service continues long after graduation.
He redefined Servant Leadership through ISKO-OPS. Inspired by the grit and solidarity of "Bar-Ops," he and his fellow alumni built a holistic mission that walked with students every step of the wayโcampaigning in far-flung schools, guiding them through intensive review sessions, and personally providing snacks and motivation on examination day to calm their nerves. Through his deep sense of Social Responsibility, he ensured that the journey to becoming a scientist was never a solitary battle, but a community effort to uplift the youth of Cagayan Valley.
To our scholar community, he was a constant beacon. He was a leader who never said no; he made himself available for every invitation from scholar organizations across the region, whether to speak on leadership, provide mentoring, or offer words of inspiration. He was the number one supporter of every community initiative, often being the one to initiate solicitations from his fellow scholars and colleagues at DOST, and even providing financial support from his own pocket to ensure their activities succeeded.
He spoke the language of the heart, greeting everyone as a "ka-isko." Whether he was on a stage or in a hallway, his first words were always a genuine, "Kumusta kayo?"โa simple greeting that made every scholar feel like family. He lived by a mantra that perfectly captured his heart: "๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐
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Engr. Markโs dream was a nation made great by the hands of its own scholars. We, his family at the DOST Region 02 Scholarship Unit, could never thank him enough for the initiatives he built and the support he gave. The path he cleared will stay open for the thousands of future scientists who now know they are "good enough" because he believed in them first.
Maraming salamat, Engr. Mark. Para sa agham, para sa bayan, at para sa mga ka-isko.
