By PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA — Every province in the country may soon have math and science high schools.
These schools will implement a six-year integrated junior-senior high school curriculum, according to House Bill 4801.
The curriculum will have a strong focus on advanced science, mathematics, and technology subjects, said the bill authored by Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian of Valenzuela City.
“Without a solid workforce of scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and other skills professionals, the Philippines will continue with an economy perennially on the brink yet never achieving full industrialization and the prosperity that comes with it,” said Gatchalian.
Gatchalian said his proposal seeks to allow students living in far-flung provinces to pursue science-based education.
The Philippines was in the “bottom 20 percent” among nations with quality science education, the representative said, citing a recent Global Competitiveness Survey report.
Also, the 2011–2012 National Achievement Test showed that Filipino students only posted an average score of 46.3 percent in math.
Students enrolled in math and science high schools are required to enroll in a four- or five-year bachelor’s degree in science program in pure and applied science, mathematics, engineering, and technology, the bill said.
“This investment in human capital will pay dividends as these ambitious young students become the next science-related professionals of our country,” said Gatchalian./PN
