The Ramon Magsaysay Awards: Innovative science teachers honored

MANILA, Philippines - Two Filipino educators who won this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Award believe in improving the competence of students in Mathematics and Science, even in streamlining the basic education curriculum, but not in adding two years to the 10-year basic education curriculum.

Christopher Bernido and his wife Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido are among the seven recipients of the prestigious award, considered the Nobel Prize of Asia, for introducing a cost-effective method of teaching science and non-science subjects in the once crumbling Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF) in the remote municipality of Jagna in Bohol province.

“At this point in time, we are against it,” said Victoria of the proposed addition of two years to the basic education curriculum to conform to the practice of developed countries.

“We would like them (the government) to study the problem and not just follow what the other countries are doing. We cannot afford it. It would entail a lot of loans again and if it does not work, the future generation (would be the ones to shoulder it).”

In designing the CVIF Dynamic Learning Program (DLP) in 2002, the Bernidos focused on developing problem-solving skills among students by devoting 70 percent of class time to activities with specific learning targets.

“The students learn independently. So when a new topic is introduced at any year level, there is no lecture. Only 20 percent of the time does the teacher come to explain (the lesson),” Christopher said.

In the following years, the 500 students who initially attended the program showed significant improvements in their performance in national scholastic and aptitude and university admissions tests. 

The school currently has 498 students, 300 of which are government scholars.  

Victoria said the school is trying its best to sustain and improve the program with the government-provided scholarship as its only source of assistance.

“We were telling our teachers and students let’s try first. Because we have this culture of always begging for support, for help,” she said. “So we thought let’s try to improve the system first. The efficiency of the system might generate savings.”

She noted, however, that friends who admire their work in the school have also offered scholarships. 

Despite coming from affluent families and having the opportunity to complete their doctorate degrees in physics overseas, the Bernidos recognize the country’s long-standing problem in education. 

“All these Filipino children going to waste just because of a failed education system… If you don’t provide them quality education, the country loses,” Victoria said.

The husband-and-wife tandem looks forward to creating programs to improve the competencies of their students in mathematics.

Christopher said receiving the award gives them an added responsibility to continue with their advocacy.

Victoria sees it as an opportunity for open discussion with concerned parties in the education sector. 

“Of course we’re very happy and grateful, but it’s more of a responsibility. There is a lot of attention; it opens doors. We’re hoping for more discussion with stakeholders. Our education is in terrible shape,” she said.