DOST, DepEd, CHED to boost PH students’ science interest with classroom tech, STEM reforms

To increase the interest of the Filipino students in scientific endeavors, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is collaborating with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to address this concern. 

The three agencies, along with the private sector, are now responding through additional laboratories and facilities that ensure better integration of science within the classrooms. 

More advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are also being considered to be introduced in basic and higher education settings.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. noted the reasons behind the decline of scientific topics and opportunities, including the educational system’s heavy focus on memorization, lack of resources, and limited avenues for students to discover their curiosities.

“The reason why students are not into science is that they don’t have the tools, the toys to answer the questions that they have in mind… The focus now should be creative thinking and not memorization. The real problem with our educational system is that we were told to memorize a lot but we were not given the chance to really understand the process so that you don’t need to memorize anymore,” he said in a press conference in Batangas City on Oct. 23. 

In line with this, Solidum shared another way to boost STEM in the country by fostering more job opportunities related to science and technology. 

“You cannot fault parents who prefer nursing or medical doctor because they could all have that [job security], but if we have the same situation where companies would locate in different universities, then they don’t need to get out of their towns or cities. They will have jobs in their own backyard. And I think that would encourage more students to go into STEM,” he said.

Moreover, the DOST plans to expand the Science High School System in the country to further promote science, following the signing of the system law by President Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos Jr., aiming to boost the government’s effort in science and technology, as well as research and development in the country. 

“We need to also showcase educational technologies that are already available so that we can help DepEd and, of course, public and private schools to really improve on the way science, technology, engineering, mathematics are being taught,” Solidum added.