More students excelling in Math and Science

MANILA, Philippines - More Filipino students have won awards in international science and mathematics competitions this year as a result of the government’s intensified efforts to improve science and mathematics education in the country, officials said.

Science Secretary Estrella Alabastro said Filipino students who bagged awards in international competitions in science and mathematics increased by almost 50 percent this year, with majority of them coming from public elementary and high schools.

Alabastro recently conferred the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) award on 303 students, more than the 215 awardees last year.

Alabastro urged the students “to enhance (their) talents by venturing into a career of science and technology when they reach college and in the future.”

“More than the increasing number of Filipino international achievers in science and mathematics, we see today an overflowing deluge of hope for the Philippines,” she said, adding that the Department of Science and Technology is ready to provide scholarships to student achievers.

“We look forward to the day that you will be one of the 3,500 scholars that we will be helping out in college. You will be a welcome addition to our roster of scholars who after graduation have helped our country out in the world of science and technology,” she said.

Dr. Ester Ogena, director of the DOST Science Education Institute, said the DOST’s Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development and the Engineering Research and Development for Technology programs aim to help improve the country’s global competitiveness and capability to innovate through alternative approaches on HRD in S&T and to accelerate the production of high-level human resources needed for S&T activities particularly in the area of R&D.

“The YES medal signifies DOST’s high regard for excellence and competitiveness through the distinguished achievements of young Filipinos in international science and mathematics competitions,” Ogena said.