DOST chief bats Romblon ‘Smart Island’ amid educ crisis

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. outlined his vision with the theme “Smart Island Rising: Launching of STI Interventions in San Agustin, Romblon” at a pre-Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) event on August 16, addressing the present educational disadvantages in the nationwide learning crisis.

Repeated class suspensions due to adverse weather is one of the inevitable instances that aggravate the Philippines’ existing learning crisis, according to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).

The commission also stated that prolonged disruptions could further impact learning outcomes leading to the country already losing an average of 40 to 50 instructional days annually, particularly in literacy, numeracy, science, and mathematics.

Solidum described the approach made as “fit-for-purpose innovation,” in which science and technology are designed to directly respond to the problems and requirements of communities.

To solidify the benefits of the approach, Solidum reflected on his past struggles that students have inherent talent but often lack access to competitive opportunities because of geographic and logistical constraints. 

“Yung mga tanong sa Pisay (Philippine Science High School), hindi ko talaga alam sagutin. Na-encounter ko lamang ‘yan later on in the third year or fourth year [of] high school,” he said.

Solidum further highlighted that DOST wants Romblon’s islands to be recognized not as isolated and distant communities but as potential centers of technological intervention for stronger education, food security, and disaster resilience.

“Ang pangarap natin ay makita ang ating mga isla, tulad po sa iba’t ibang isla dito sa Romblon, hindi bilang mga malalayong tuldok sa mapa kundi bilang mga sentro ng inobasyon, katatagan at oportunidad,” he emphasized.

Solidum stressed on DOST’s approach of developing STI interventions and providing practical benefits around the specific needs and conditions of communities in Romblon.