To inspire more young girls to venture into the field of science, the Department of Education (DepEd) recognized outstanding Filipina scientists.
“I am proud of the women who continue to uphold gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls involved in the field of science,” said Education Secretary Leonor Briones in celebration of this year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
“This should abolish long-standing biases and gender stereotypes that are steering girls and women away from science-related fields,” she added.
Eminent Filipino women scientists Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara, Undersecretary for Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Dr. Gay Jane Perez, Deputy Director-General of the Philippine Space Agency, and Dr. Maria Ruth Pineda-Cortel, Researcher at the UST Research Center for the Natural Sciences and finalist in the ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women 2020, shared messages of empowerment.
Meanwhile, the inspiring story of Philippine Genome Center Executive Director Dr. Cynthia Palmes-Saloma on her journey to being a scientist was also featured.
In DOST, Guevara shared that almost half of the project leaders in research and development grants are women as well as scholars in science and engineering.
Meanwhile, Cortel noted that while the gender gap hinders the dreams of women and girls to contribute to science, she believes “that if we work together as one, as women and girls of science, we can smash stereotyping and defeat discrimination against women and girls in science.”
Perez, on the other hand, stressed that the event was an “opportunity for us women to serve as beacons of hope to each other, especially to the young girls of today.”
Perez also encouraged “all women to persevere and break the barriers so that women in this field will one day be the norm rather than an exception.” The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed annually by the UN on Feb. 11, is implemented by UNESCO and UN-Women in collaboration with institutions and civil society partners that aim to promote women and girls in science.
Meanwhile, DepEd Undersecretary San Antonio also highlighted that celebrating women and girls -- who have contributed to science -- is something that deserves the support of anyone passionate about equity, sciences, nation-building through a lot of innovations that only those with scientific minds can contribute.
“I fully believe that the Philippines is one country that is among the most gender-equal countries in the world, especially in dealing with gender issues, concerns, and development,” he added.