DOST-SEI, partners vow more int’l victories for Pinoy STEM students

DOST-SEI Director Josette T. Biyo (top row, second from left) presides over the online ceremonial signing of memoranda of agreement on April 14, 2021, between the Institute and its various STEM education partners, ensuring the continuity of various joint programs for kids including mathematics olympiads. robotics competitions, and weather forecasting. Also in photo are (from left) AMSLI Philippines President Rechilda P. Villame, MSP President Dr. Emmanuel A. Cabral, MTG Philippines Chief Operating Officer Dr. Simon L. Chua, NOI.PH President Marte Y. Soliza, PFST Executive Director May M. Pagsinohin, PMS President Dr. Marcelino Q. Villafuerte II, PhilAAST President Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, PSYSC Chairman Dr. Manolo Mena, and FELTA President and CEO Mylene S. Abiva

From math Olympiads to robotics competitions, Filipino students have been consistently making their mark in the international arena thanks to the tireless efforts of the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and its educational partners—some of whom have been the agency’s allies for well over two decades.

The Institute and its partners recently reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony on April 14, 2021. The entire event was held online, a poignant reminder of the unusual circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as of the determination and creativity of the various agencies to overcome these challenges.

“While Filipinos will always be known for our resiliency, it’s time that we thrived beyond that,” said DOST-SEI Director Josette T. Biyo. “We are thankful to our partners for helping us and our Filipino youth to grow into something bigger and brighter, through STEM.”

Dir. Biyo presided over the ceremony, with long-time partners in attendance including National Olympiad in Informatics, Philippines; the Asian MathSci League, Inc.; FELTA Multi-Media, Inc.; the Mathematics Trainers’ Guild, Philippines; the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology; the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology; the Philippine Meterological Society, Inc.; the Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs, Inc.; and the Mathematical Society of the Philippines.

“Though the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the educational landscape around the world, we look forward to continue to inspire our youth to pursue STEM careers by showing them that they have the capability to win against all odds in international competitions,” Dir. Biyo concluded.