The Department of Education (DepEd) is holding a virtual National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF) 2021 starting Tuesday, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 to highlight the role of science and research in addressing present global challenges and issues amidst a pandemic.
The NSTF 2021 aims to showcase learners’ resiliency, innovation, and creativity amidst global crisis through a virtual science fair and competition. This year’s NSTF is anchored on the theme, “Agham, Pananaliksik, at Teknolohiya: Kabalikat sa Matatag at Maunlad na Pamayanan.”
Citing the importance of conducting NSTF this year, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that “we cannot talk about quality education without also teaching or nurturing our learners in the intricacies of technology and communication, creativeness, and invention.”
DepEd said that the annual fair serves as a venue for knowledge sharing, community engagement, and industry collaboration among students, teachers, industry partners, and science experts.
The NSTF activities include (1) Siyensikula, an original video production competition focusing on Science, Technology and Engineering, and Math (STEM) concepts; (2) SciTalks, a conference featuring notable local and international STEM personalities; and (3) AghambayaniJuan, a public community exhibition of partners in science, technology, research, and innovation.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio stressed that “DepEd is more committed to nurturing our students through science education now that we are experiencing a pandemic.”
The NSTF, he added, will be a “platform for them to showcase their innovative ideas that may help others make informed decisions based on scientific evidence.” Likewise, the Bureau of Curriculum Development noted that the NSTF would give a snapshot of what learners have been doing during this time and what they are actually learning.
DepEd said that the NSTF 2021 will banner several other virtual activities such as exhibits, panel discussions and film showing.
This event will be held using an online platform in partnership with the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and will be livestreamed through DepEd Philippines Facebook page. The culmination program and awarding ceremony will be held on Sept. 3.
WATCH the kick off of the four-day celebration of science, research, and technology at the NSTF 2021 here: