DOST Aims to Inspire Filipino Youth in Science and Technology Through National Festival
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the Philippines is taking steps to encourage more Filipino students to pursue careers in science and research. With the country lagging behind its regional neighbors in terms of the number of researchers, the DOST plans to host a national festival aimed at inspiring the youth to explore various disciplines in science.
According to Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., the Philippines currently only has 174 full-time researchers per 1 million people. This pales in comparison to countries like Singapore, which boasts 6,730 researchers per million population, and Malaysia with over 2,200 researchers per million population. The DOST aims to surpass its reference point of 380 researchers and close the gap.
To achieve this, the DOST proposes reorienting the education system to focus on the commercialization of research expertise. By encouraging universities to commercialize their research, it not only generates income for the institution but also creates more jobs and opportunities for researchers to start their own companies. This, in turn, will attract more individuals to pursue careers in science and technology.
In line with this goal, the DOST is preparing for the first-ever National Youth Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival. The festival, which will take place from October 25 to October 28 at the Philippine International Convention Center, aims to engage high school and college students, as well as out-of-school youths, in various science and technology activities. These include competitions, exhibits, forums, seminars, technology demonstrations, workshops, and discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence and its impact on vaccine production and science communication.
The festival will also feature a nuclear career talk where students can learn more about nuclear science through hands-on activities like radioactivity monitoring and other demonstrations.
Despite discouraging data suggesting that only 23 percent of senior high school enrollees last year pursued science and technology-related subjects, DOST Secretary Solidum remains optimistic that the festival will inspire the youth to consider careers in STEM fields. He highlights the importance of fostering a growth mindset among students, noting that the Philippines lags behind in terms of scientific and mathematical literacy compared to the global average.
One factor contributing to the struggle with mathematical literacy is the language barrier. The DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) recognizes this and is working on training teachers to use language effectively when teaching STEM subjects. The aim is to help students understand concepts by providing context and using a mix of Filipino and English as mediums of instruction.
Additionally, the DOST-SEI and the University of the Philippines-College of Mass Communication Foundation conducted a study that revealed the importance of hands-on activities in sparking students’ interest in science. To address this, the DOST-SEI is developing a program that encourages teachers to incorporate practical activities that utilize the environment and local resources.
The DOST’s efforts to inspire Filipino youth in science and technology through the National Youth Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival are crucial steps in bridging the gap in research capacity. By nurturing students’ interest in STEM subjects and creating opportunities for them to engage in hands-on activities, the DOST aims to cultivate a new generation of scientists and researchers who will contribute to the development of the country.
