Joselito Malig

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Raphael Bosano

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — At a time of rapidly changing climate, constantly evolving technology and the need for the Philippines to keep up with the pace, the Department of Science and Technology says making science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) an interesting field to lure talent is very much needed.At the sidelines of the recognition program for 2025 Philippine Teams in International STEM Olympiads, DOST Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun admitted that the country is in need of more professionals in the field of science.“Kulang na kulang pa ang ating scientist per million of population. Mababa pa ito. Importante kasi na dumami ang ating mga scientists, engineers, innovators even science and math teachers,” she said.Science and math have long been seen as intimidating fields. But Sahagun says it all boils down to proper training of teachers, adequate learning materials and shifting the mindset of young Filipinos.“Hindi siya ganon kahirap kung siguro merong magagaling na teachers at materials para yung interest, tuloy-tuloy. Siguro ang impressioin ay mahirap ang science at math. Pero kung nabibigyan ng tamang pagkakataon at baguhin ang sistema ng pagtuturo, pag appreciate ng science at math ay mababago lahat.”<div>MORE THAN JUST NUMBERS</div>This year, over 30 Filipino students from across the nation carried the flag in different international science and mathematics olympiads including nuclear science, chemistry, biology, astronomy and astrophysics, physics, informatics and geography.Despite the rigorous competitions and examinations, the country bagged 22 medals; six honorable mentions; 10 bronze; five silver; and one gold.But more than the numbers, Dr. Randolf Sasota, Chief Senior Research Specialist of the DOST-Science Education Institute, the achievement of Filipino students in international competitions is a testament of their potential and talent especially if given the right amount of support.“They are proof that filipino talent, when nurtured and supported can truly shine, anywhere in the world,” he said.In a statement Senator Bam Aquino, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, assured his continued support to continuously hone Filipino talent.“Ipinakita  ninyo ang inyong galing sa larangan ng mathematics, biology, physics, astronomy, nuclear science, chemistry, earth sciene at informatics,” he said.“Asahan niyo ang aking patuloy na suporta sa mga ganitong inisyatibo at programa na naglalayong palakasin ang kakayahan ng ating mga kabataan sa STEM.”For Wins Kenrich Chen who won the gold medal in the International Nuclear Science Olympiad, more Filipino professionals in STEM could actually drive the country to achieving solutions to the various threats the world is facing especially when it comes to climate change.“Very fast yung advancement ng STEM-related and contributors to social issues such as climate change. As we use more technology we create more carbon footprint. So with this advancement, we ought to advance our solutions to these problems. So this requires us to research more, especially in STEM fields,” he said.Chen acknowledged the reality that many Filipinos his age are actually elusive of STEM much more making it a life-long career. However challenging, he says it isn’t as hard as many people think.“They are quite intimidated by the rigorous problems they need to face like math. Dealing with numbers, a lot are afraid. You just have to give it interest and your curiosity will lead you.&quot;Medalists in international olympiads will be awarded scholarships by the DOST in Philippine higher academic institutions, whether private or state universities and colleges that are considered Centers for Excellence in courses supported by the agency.

DOST Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun has admitted that the country is in need of more professionals in the field of science.

DOST Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun has admitted that the country is in need of more professionals in the field of science.

DOST: We need more science professionals

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DOST: We need more science professionals

Raphael Bosano,

ABS-CBN News

Published Oct 27, 2025 07:45 PM PHT

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Department of Science and Technology

Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics

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