Nurturing the Filipino children's interest in science

MANILA, Philippines – The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Studies show that Filipino high school students’ skills and competencies in math and science rank a dismal 41st and 42nd among 45 participating countries.

The same holds true for Filipino elementary students’ science and math competencies, which rank at 23rd among 25 countries.

This may be the reason why the Philippines also has the lowest number of scientists and engineers engaged in research and development. 

Statistics indicate that there are only 108 scientists and engineers per one million people in the country, whereas Singapore has 4,613 per one million.

Nido Fortified recently partnered with the SM Science Discovery Center at the SM Mall of Asia to promote applied science learning in the Philippines. 

Joseph Eugene David, business executive manager of Nestlé Philippines Inc.’s Dairy, Health and Nutrition Solutions Business Unit, said, “No country can progress without scientific advancements and we at Nestlé value the importance of nurturing a child’s passion to learn at an early age.”

“We want to show everyone that learning science can be easy and even magical, especially when kids learn by exploration and interaction. Hopefully, our efforts will inspire more Filipino children to fall in love with science,” David added.

Effective last April 17, the SM Science Discovery Center has been called the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center.

Present during the contract signing were Nestlé Philippines executives Susana Aquino, Ellen Isturis, Wennifer Ty, Ruth Novales, Jedessa Leyte, Husain Haykal, and lawyers Aileen Cero and Cashmer Dirampaten.

SM Prime Holdings was represented by Dexter Deyto, SAVP for operations, SM Family Entertainment Center Inc.; Raymund Maclang, Joaquin San Agustin, Dennis Cruz, Arturo Carballo, Crystalauren Rivera-Mena, Cherrie de la Cruz, and Ria Damian.

“Learning doesn’t only take place in the classroom. To nurture a child’s curiosity, you can expose him to a safe, healthy, stimulating environment so that he can explore freely and experience the world around him. The Science Discovery Center is the perfect place for moms to bond and learn with their kids,” David said.

The Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center is the first technology-based science theme park in the Philippines.

The 3,000-square-meter facility consists of nine walk-through galleries that include a two-level kinetic Time Capsule, green screen technology, the latest PC-based and virtual games and software, a showcase of the latest technologies in different modes of transport, and a Natural Science Center, among its many features. It also houses the most advanced 360-degree dome screen Digistar Planetarium in the country.

Since it is also interactive, the Science Discovery Center helps children better understand and learn more about their own bodies, the natural world, and the universe.

“We laud Nido Fortified for taking on this advocacy,” Deyto said. “It would be a big help in the field of science learning in the country.”