There are a lot of factors in the Philippine Education that needs improvement and program management that needs to be implemented to sustain our students a better science education. Our students eventhough mostly are poor, have this urge to endure the hardships of education because they firmly believe of its importance that will greatly contribute to their future. Much as they want to study hard, the facilities and other tools they need in order to learn may hinder their dreams to fulfill their aspirations in life especially those students that are interested in science subject. The primary and secondary education is the very foundation of our skills and abilities that we will unfold on our college years. but how can students be excellent in their field if they are taught less? The potentialities that they have is still not discovered yet because of the tools and faciltites that are supposed to be offered on our basic education. Below are some facts that was carefully researched:

Preliminary results from a survey done by Raymond Pingol from the VISSER project show that only around 20% of high schools have laboratories with non-traditional “modern” equipment. Unfortunately, these “modern” equipment are typically no more than the combination of a computer and an LCD projector.

• The lack of science education facilities is reflected on the poor quality of basic science and math education seen by the low achievement scores of Filipino students in various tests. The passing rate for the national achievement test (NAT) for grade 6 is only 69.21%. This was already a 24% improvement compared to the 2005-2006 passing rate but is still below the passing rate of 75%.
• Teaching preparation of public school teachers in science is also a factor in learning. There is only a small fraction of teachers in high school that qualified and capable to teach Physics, Chemistry, Biology and mathematics. Although these numbers have increased for public schools due to scholarship efforts of the DOST-SEI, there is still a need to have programs for the continuing professional development such as training programs and conferences.
• The implementation of the Kto12 basic education program does not bode well for science education. Science education will start only at Grade 3, which is not comforting for the improvement in basic science and math education. We need to develop critical thinking skills of our Filipino students at an early age. The time allotment for laboratories and non-lecture activities is also limited

We have a lot of funds in the government and these issues are needed to be raised especiallt to the higher ups and to the Philippine President. The extent of the problems in our education sector is a long-time ago problem and still a problem today. We can barely say that we have a lot of bright students but their skills and abilities are often gotten to waste. Its high time that they notice us. Our workforce is truly the noblest, and effective teachers who loved to serve the country are left with no choice but to go abroad to seek better future and compensations. Both the students and teachers are suffering.

Reference: http://www.manilatimes.net/science-education-realities/100096/

By: Jeddah P. Valencia | St. Catherine of Siena Academy