DOST boosts IT learning in Mindanao schools
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MANILA (PNA) -- Over 60 public schools in Mindanao, including marginalized towns in Lanao and
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, were given laptops and information technology (IT) learning
packages to boost IT proficiency in the region.
"We want our students to improve their performance in Science and Mathematics education in Muslim-
dominated elementary schools," said Dr Ester B. Ogena, Director of the Department of Science and
Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI).
Ogena said the project is part of a three-year program called Mindanao Opportunities for Vitalized
Education and Upgrading of Science (MOVE UPS) that seeks to strengthen the capabilities of the 60
identified elementary feeder schools of the Philippine Science High School-Central Mindanao
Campus (PSHS-CMC) in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.
Ogena said these schools, belonging mostly to war-torn areas, have each received laptop computer,
multimedia projector, software packages and other peripherals.
Ten public elementary schools each from Lanao del Norte, Shariff Kabunsuan and Maguindanao and
nine from Marawi City would also be getting the same package.
Ogena said the project includes teacher and principals management training; annual science camps;
laboratory equipment support; development of aptitude tests; development of parents and principals
handbook, and a manual of the project; and support for library and reference materials.
"We want more of our students in Mindanao to qualify in the PSHS and we can do it by giving them the
appropriate basic education that would prepare them in entering a science high school," she said.
Ogena said MOVE UPS is SEI's tack to provide a favorable learning environment in Muslim dominated
schools, unique in their culture, that will encourage and help students to understand, appreciate and
value the importance of science.
She said the project intends to develop more relevant approaches and strategies for more effective
teaching and learning, particularly in Science, Mathematics and English subjects in the said Muslim-
dominated feeder schools.
Under the project, teachers undergo a training program that focuses on enhancing teacher capabilities
and competencies in teaching science and mathematics subjects, as well as English.
Principals would also be undergoing training on effective and efficient administration and supervision of
feeder schools in the first year of implementation to be followed by an annual one-day conference for
them.
Every summer, science exhibits, quiz shows, math trails, poster-making contests and presentation of
researches and mathematical investigations would be conducted to entice the students to venture into
science and mathematics.
An aptitude test for the students would be developed to identify potential pupils for the PSHS-CMC.
"We want to equip our elementary pupils with adequate educational experiences that will ensure greater
chances and opportunities of being admitted to the PSHS-CMC," she said.(PNA)
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