Finally. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics has already become a specialized program in most high schools in the country. If it becomes successful, I am sure that our country is headed to a future where excellence in science is a culture and a practice.

            For the longest time, opportunities for STEM education is only acquired by students from the Philippine Science High School system, the Regional Science High School, and the Special Science Classes in general high schools. Today, virtually every student who want to pursue a career in science and technology, engineering and mathematics are all given greater access and equal opportunities through the offering of the STEM track under the General Academics Strand under the K to 12 education system implemented last year by the Department of Education.

            According to Rappler (2016), the country is in need of more doctors, engineers, computer scientists, web developers, Agriculturists, electricians, and even teachers. However, in a report published by the Philippine Star, recent studies have shown that many students are getting more afraid of Science and Mathematics subjects due to difficulty in understanding the abstract concepts within. Some teachers found it difficult to motivate students to get engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) focused subjects due to lack of equipment and training. Many students lack the motivation to take STEM courses for many reasons. Addressing the lack of motivation and engagement of young people with STEM subjects is critical to nurturing the next generation of scientists, doctors and engineers who can contribute to the country’s productivity, growth and future role in globalization.

            STEM courses fuel the growth of a country. Science and technology is a force to be reckon with. This force promotes economic and social development. Moreover, science and technology makes a country strong and the people more prosperous. South Korea and China have capitalized on STEM and now these countries are economic powerhouses in Asia, a spot where the Philippines used to share with other countries before like Japan.

            We have been left behind by our Asian neighbors in terms of science and technology. Despite of us being the country who built its first nuclear power plant in Southeast Asia, the first Light Rail Transit, the center of international rice research, the center of agriculture education in Asia, and while many of our neighbors are tilling farmlands, we have been establishing universities. Gone are those days but of course our hopes are still high. The STEM program of the education department would help us push to be once again one of Asia’s science and technology and engineering hub. We have been already recognized as having one of the best institutions of higher learnings and many of our scientists are internationally renowned. We only have to build it a little farther and deeper. Deeper means we have to really penetrate the love of science and technology and engineering and mathematics down to the deepest system of our public education. Only by then that we can be sure of a country fueled by science and technology.

References:

http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/career/122236-high-school-college-courses-in-demand-jobs

http://www.philstar.com/education-and-home/2013/04/18/931925/prepare-students-successful-stem-careers