Through Almira Louise S. MartinezReporter
Students were on Wednesday encouraged by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to become more involved in careers related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“We ignite in you a desire for discovery, curiosity, critical thinking and innovation, and from that spark and passion to serve the country and the Filipinos,” said DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon O. Sahagun during the National Youth Festival for Science, Technology and Innovation 2024 (NYSTIF).
According to Ms Sahagun, the department hopes to inspire the youth to be more interested in employment opportunities in STEM, to provide leadership and develop solutions to the country’s problems and challenges.
“Your ideas have the power to open the doors to a brighter and more sustainable future.”
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. added that the younger generation must use science and technology as the “driving forces that drive our world forward.”
“Your country looks to you for leadership, for innovative ideas that will improve lives and propel us into the future,” he said.
Based on the last Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey received the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘good’ assessments of the development of science and technology.
“While we are excited about this confirmation of our hard work, we see it more as a challenge to do even better,” he said on Saturday.
PISA preparations
Last Saturdaythe Department of Education (DepEd) presented its overall plans in line with the test preparations of the 2025 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).
The PISA is a large-scale survey that assesses the knowledge of 15-year-old students in grade 7 or higher in mathematics, science and reading.
“We want to make the resources available to them. So it will be like a bar exam,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara said during the Senate Finance Committee on the DepEd’s 2025 budget proposal.
In the 2022 PISA According to data released this year, the Philippines ranks 77th out of 81 countries worldwide.