By Lourdes M. Fernandez
THE government must continue supporting mathematics and science education because of the “21st-century skills” they engender, such as problem solving, critical thinking and creativity. And, beyond these vital skills, it’s crucial for young people to develop the “soft skills” of “diligence, commitment and grit” as they embark on the reputedly tough academic journeys that science and mathematics represent.
This was the key message conveyed by Dr. Jocelyn Andaya, Department of Education (DepEd) Director IV, at the first-ever Student Excellence Awards (SEA) given out to Filipino students who have brought the country honor in international competitions in mathematics and science in 2018.
The awards were jointly given by the DepEd and the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura in Taguig City.
Andaya represented Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis-Briones and Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instructions Dr. Lorna Dig-Dino.
In concluding her remarks, Andaya quoted Briones as exhorting the students to be “math champions and idols” so that other young people will banish their own anxieties about mathematics and appreciate how crucial it is to daily life.
In her remarks, Andaya recalled her own “math anxiety” as a student grappling with her math lessons, but realized later in life how indispensable the discipline is.
She told her audience—teachers, public- and private- school officials and the over 500 students who received the specially designed medallions of excellence—that “sorry, we can’t eradicate mathematics from the curriculum.”
Dr. Isidro Aguilar, MTG Philippines president, gave an overview of the SEA. Officials at the awards rites also acknowledged the tirelessness and inspiration provided by MTG Founder and Former President Dr. Simon Chua.
Erica Locker, assistant mall manager at SM Aura, for her part, welcomed the students and school officials, and said the SM community was happy to have been a part of the advocacy of promoting science and mathematics education in the Philippines.
SM’s senior vice president for marketing Millie Dizon has been an ardent champion of MTG Philippines projects, notably its annual Sudoku nationwide competitions.
Fund-raiser
The event was graced by former Senator and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, the long-time honorary president of MTG.
Cayetano said that, once the dust of the political campaign has ended but before the new term of officials elected in the May 13 midterm elections begins, he will push his personal advocacy—to beef up the resources of the MTG Philippines so it can reach out to more students nationwide, especially the underprivileged but talented math and science students.
He recalled how, when he was attending an MTG event several years ago, he was struck by the fluency with which the young students were discussing with him and other officials. He turned to Dr. Chua and asked aloud where they come from, and Dr. Chua told him they were students of a nearby public school.
Cayetano admitted he was pleasantly surprised, to which Chua lectured him, “maraming magaling na bata, kulang lang sa oportunidad [There are many talented children; it’s the opportunities that are lacking].”
Thus, Cayetano said, he will make it his personal commitment to organize a fund-raiser for MTG sometime in June, so the organization can benefit more students, given how much it has done with its modest resources.
Cayetano said he hoped the fund-raiser could raise a minimum of P1 million for MTG.
In all, there were 538 SEA awardees, comprising a good mix of students from public and private schools, and from regions across the land.
There were students from exclusive, expensive private schools, but also from public schools that were lucky enough to be supported by their local governments.
There were dozens of awardees from specialized state institutions like the Philippine Science High School and Manila Science High School, and also from schools like the Philippine Cultural College.
Indeed, they represent the leaven among the young, knighted by the opportunity and sustained guidance and support provided by the MTG and similar groups as the Mathematics Teachers’ Association of the Philippines, which was also represented in the event.
Image credits: Nonie Reyes