SINGAPORE --- The Philippines and Singapore have expressed willingness to renew their cooperation on innovations in teaching and learning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to prepare the younger generation for the future.
The topic was discussed during the meeting between President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong here on September 7, the last day of the former's State Visit to Singapore.
Based on the joint statement issued by both governments, the two leaders look forward to renewing the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on innovations in teaching and learning STEM.
The MOU was signed in 2019 among the Philippines' Department of Education, Nanyang Polytechnic International, and Temasek Foundation.
The agreement aimed to equip students from both countries to tap into new opportunities in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Even before assuming office in June, President Marcos had always expressed a desire for the country to focus on teaching STEM to students to keep up with the world's technological advancements.
He also lamented how the quality of education in the Philippines lags in mathematics and sciences compared to its neighboring countries.
Marcos said he had ordered Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte to improve the STEM curriculum to develop the youth's aptitude in sciences.
"We need the talent. That is one of the major areas that our DepEd is going to be looking at and how to strengthen the instruction for our children and our students," he said.
The President added that developing STEM education is essential, primarily since technology is a main driver of national economic growth.