By Merlina Hernando-Malipot
The Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have partnered to further strengthen the education of both teachers and learners in the fields of Science and Mathematics.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)
DepEd and DOST recently signed the memorandum of understanding on the Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education at the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH) in Diliman, Quezon City.
DepEd said this partnership “will further strengthen the collaboration between DepEd and DOST, through Science Education Institute (SEI), in providing opportunities for Science and Mathematics public secondary school teachers nationwide to pursue their master’s or doctoral degrees through the DOST-SEI Graduate Scholarship Programs.”
More exciting, less difficult
Meanwhile, Education Secretary Leonor Briones underscored the importance of teachers in making Science and Mathematics more exciting and less difficult.
“The teacher makes the difference in making Science and Mathematics exciting subjects, and in erasing the notion that these learning areas are difficult and intimidating,” Briones said. “A learner can shift from hating math to finding it interesting and exciting and can even get very high grade,” she added.
Briones added that this partnership with DOST will “allow students to reach their full potential through the enhanced knowledge and improved skills that teachers may impart to them.”
Meanwhile, DepEd Undersecretary for External Partnership Service Tonisito Umali also highlighted how partnerships help the department in the delivery of quality, accessible, relevant and liberating basic education for all.
Umali said DepEd, through its External Partnerships Service (EPS), “has been engaging the private sector and national government agencies to promote the value of education, collaboration, and worthwhile investments in nation building.” Through partnerships, “we are able to do more for our learners and give more venues to people where they can work together in providing learners’ immediate needs,” he ended.
For DOST-SEI director Josetta Biyo, the institute has been initiating other efforts in contributing to the advancement of education in the country, including the offering of scholarships in Science and Technology at the undergraduate level.
In 2018, a total of 8,994 learners qualified for the undergraduate scholarship program – 914 learners of which are from the Philippine Science High School, 5,457 from other public schools and 2,623 from private schools.
DOST SEI also conducts researches on Science and Technology Human Resources, and various science promotion activities – science camps, science fairs, robotics competitions, etc. – to encourage young people to love science and pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers.
already saying Mindanao will grow, the whole country will grow,” he said.