Towards a more improved RA 10612: DOST-SEI to prioritize ensuring the scholars’ success in their STEM teaching journey

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Driven by the call to create a solid foundation for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and produce more dynamic educators who will uplift the significance of such fields in present society and encourage more Filipino youth to venture in various careers of S&T, the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), in collaboration with the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC), hosted a Roundtable Discussion on Republic Act 10612 or the “Fast-Tracked S&T Scholarship Act of 2013” – an act expanding the coverage of the Science and Technology scholarship programs and strengthening the teaching of Science and Mathematics in secondary schools.

The roundtable discussion was conducted in efforts to further review and scrutinize the research findings and recommendations of the evaluation study on the Scholarship Act. Its main rationale was to gauge the future directions of the program while looking at the gains, challenges, and implications of the policy’s implementation during the past 13 years, hence the title “Looking back, Moving Forward.”

The discussion sought to delineate the continuous contribution of DOST-SEI’s scholarship programs to the nationwide S&T education and to illuminate the path forward in improving such programs – putting the spotlight on the growing need to overcome barriers in providing support to the scholars, as well as in assuring the scholar-graduates’ success in their journey towards teaching STEM.

The roundtable discussion featured the views and perspectives of the Scholarship Act’s key stakeholders, implementers, and policymakers on the results of the evaluation, discussing the importance of and priorities for advancing the scholarship program.

DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo emphasized the country’s growing need for a critical mass of STEM educators who proactively contribute to nation-building by teaching the value of science, technology, and innovation. She, then, recognized the Institute’s achievements in having molded generations of deserving scholars and in having produced more teachers at the frontline of STEM education through the scholarship program.

Similarly, DOST-SEI Chief Science Research Specialist Mr. Peter Gerry Gavina also forwarded how the scholarship has continuously enticed college students in their college sophomore year to pursue a career in science education, helping accelerate the number of STEM educators in the country.

Both, however, acknowledged the many concerns surrounding the scholar-graduates' deployment in educational institutions and return service requirement. Nonetheless, they assured that the Institute is fully aware of such concerns and is always considerate of the scholars’ feedback on the scholarship programs.

“We take time to listen to the sentiments and experiences of our current scholars under the program and we aim to address their concerns at various levels in the implementation of the scholarship,” said Dr. Biyo.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Teacher Education Council Executive Director Mr. Runvi Manguerra and Assistant Chief of the Bureau of the Human Resource and Organizational Development (BHROD) Ms. Ruby Chanda Crisostomo also reflected on issues of delayed deployment and limited employment opportunities, promising to improve coordination among schools and institutions to complement the demand of the schools vis-à-vis the supply of STEM teachers.

Also participating in the roundtable discussion was the Chairperson for the Basic Education and Culture Committee Hon. Roman Romulo who also stressed about the importance of coordination between DepEd and schools to ensure the scholar-graduates’ deployment to their teaching positions. He requested DepEd to provide data and specifics of schools that lack STEM teachers and highlighted the need to appropriately match the supply of RA 10612 scholar-graduates to the current demand of schools all over the country.

Meanwhile, Philippine Normal University Dean of the College of Flexible Learning and ePNU Dr. Celia Ilanan acknowledged concerns on delayed training and forwarded that one way to improve the Scholarship Act is to include pre-service training provisions for scholar-graduates even before they were deployed, establishing a structured and efficient process for its delivery.

Principal author of RA 10612 and former congressperson Angelo Palmones also contributed to the discussion and shared a brief background of the law, as well as his insights in further improving its implementation. He also expressed his intention to review the evaluation more conscientiously before endorsing changes in the law and demanding actions from the House.

Meanwhile, after sharing his experiences and voicing his concerns as a beneficiary of the scholarship program, scholar-graduate Engr. Aaron Sarmiento is hopeful that the meaningful dialogues built during the discussions would help grow the number of scholars that the program supports and the projects and efforts that the Institute puts forward. He is certain that the valuable insights gained from the discussions can be useful in ensuring the success of the scholars in their journey towards teaching STEM, as well as in helping elevate the quality of STEM education in the country.

Mr. Ariel Sebellino of the Philippine Press Institute acted as the moderator of the discussion and forwarded that the media also have a role in promoting the scholarship program. Also present in the RTD were DOST Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun and PSSC Executive Director Dr. Lourdes Portus who welcomed the participants and guests and gave an overview of the RTD’s goal, respectively.

Keeping in mind the views of the beneficiaries and other key stakeholders, the DOST-SEI pledged to continue to work closely together with policymakers and program implementers in continuously revisiting and reviewing the Scholarship Act to further improve the support they provide to their scholars and ensure that they flourish in their career in science education – transforming them into more than just beneficiaries of the scholarship but also agents who play a critical role in accelerating the country’s collective future as a nation.

Upon the discussion’s conclusion, the Institute looks forward to having more relevant and more significant dialogues that aim to better revamp certain aspects of the scholarship program and further improve its implementation. They plan to establish a technical working group for more rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the program’s policy.

The roundtable discussion was conducted on July 3, 2023, in two subsequent sessions. The first session highlighted the views and sentiments of the implementers and beneficiaries, while the second one included that of the policymakers.

One Year in BBM Presidency: Electricity Consumers Still Wanting

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One year into the second Marcos presidency, electricity consumers remain wanting for the realization of the president’s promise in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) ang “Pangarap Nyo ay Pangarap ko” for electricity consumers. The first year of Bongbong Marcos’ presidency witnessed the accelerated suffering of electricity consumers not only from high electricity prices but also from intermittent blackouts due to continued neglect and inefficiency of our electricity grid.

Roland Vibal, national coordinator for Kuryente.org, said:

“Although we commend the Marcos administration’s effort to promote renewable energy by fast-tracking its green energy program, there is still much to be done to lower our households’ electricity cost. With the current high cost of living, the continued high price of electricity is an added burden for electricity consumers whose monthly income is way below the government's estimated ideal living wage of P1,500/day for a family of six. Every presidency has promised to ease electricity consumers’ burden yet most failed as it continues to neglect or indecisively address the cause of the problem.”

Vibal said that for Kuryente.org, lower electricity prices can be realized by decisively addressing the four main causes of high electricity rates in the country, namely by:

● Reviewing our current mix of energy sources. The continuing uncertainty of imported fuels as Ukraine – Russia conflict drag should motivate us to end our addiction to imported and costly fuels and focus our attention on cheaper and more reliable sources.

● Reducing the country’s transmission and distribution losses. It is high time that the Energy Regulatory Commission review the national grid code and conducts a technical audit. More so, Congress should evaluate and review the franchise of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines since it has failed to deliver its promise to provide a reliable, efficient and sustainable grid for the country.

● Reviewing the current tax regime for electricity should also be done to unburden our electricity price with high taxation. Our tax on electricity is relatively high, and worse, consumers are also taxed from system losses and subsidies. High electricity taxation is an added burden and should be reviewed and rethought, especially in this period of high uncertainty.

● Discussing and trilaterally resolving policies related to electricity rates and contracts not only between governments and power corporations but with electricity consumers as well to ensure that fairness and reasonableness of all decisions are in line with the interests of government, investors and consumers alike.

RCBC powers up digital banking with Pulz app

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Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has announced the launch of its cutting-edge digital banking platform, RCBC Pulz, designed to power up users' financial vitality through its unparalleled features, speed, and efficiency. With state-of-the-art technology and hyper-personalized interactions, RCBC Pulz transcends the boundaries of traditional banking, embodying RCBC's commitment to meeting the ever-changing preferences of its valued customers.

RCBC Pulz pulsates with the users' wants and needs, capturing the essence of the dynamic financial space and propelling RCBC customers towards achieving their financial goals.

Designed with contemporary global experiences in mind, the app offers ultra-digital features, supported by an artificial intelligence-based cross-selling and upselling process that prioritizes customer lifecycle value. Embracing the promise of boundless possibilities, the app is set to transform the landscape of Philippine digital banking, providing boundless access, services, opportunities, and experiences - all fortified by comprehensive protection.

 

RCBC Pulz is an all-in-one banking app that ensures a convenient, effortless banking experience. One of its standout features is its strong focus on security, utilizing advanced technology and multiple security checks for safe financial transactions. RCBC Pulz also allows customers to open an account anytime, anywhere, without a minimum balance requirement. Customers can easily perform various banking tasks, such as depositing or withdrawing money using QR codes or reference numbers, depositing local checks just by taking a photo, and directly transferring funds locally or abroad, with the pioneering digital concierge service.

RCBC Pulz also goes beyond banking by offering lifestyle-enhancing features. Customers can pay bills, convert purchases into installments, load up their telco SIM and gaming wallets, make toll payments effortlessly, buy and sell of up to six foreign currencies in real time such as US Dollars, HongKong Dollars, Euro, British Pounds, Japanese Yen, and Singapore Dollars. The app also has a dedicated section for financial literacy information and on top of it all, Filipinos can now manage or place new investments through the country’s first digital, in-app unit investment trust fund or UITF.

"We are relentless in pioneering and scaling digital solutions to empower more Filipinos. We have developed our most advanced banking app to date. Packed with superior and enhanced features, RCBC’s newest digital banking app is designed to further make banking easier, faster and safer,” said RCBC President and Chief Executive Officer Eugene S. Acevedo.

RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva calls the launch as a pivotal point in the country’ digital journey as customers will enjoy a wide and secure variety of financial solutions that will only be one tap away.

"We’re proud to share with you RCBC Pulz, the fruition of harnessing a transformational mindset and limitless possibilities Staying true to RCBC’s goal of empowering Filipinos, we unveil a hyper-personalized digital platform. For what remains a probability for others, we have made it into reality, and its potential is truly boundless," Villanueva said.

RCBC hosted the launch event on July 18 at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City. Themed #Boundless, the event unveiled RCBC's groundbreaking RCBC Pulz digital banking solution, empowering individuals like never before by providing limitless options as they navigate their personal financial journeys. The event is made possible by the invaluable support of Visa, IDfy, Nextbank, Netcore, Almond Tech, Emudhra, and BlueVoyant, who all share RCBC's commitment to digital innovation and customer-centric solutions. RCBC Pulz digital banking app will be available for download starting August 8, 2023.

One of the highlights of the event was the “One YGC” segment, a manifestation of support by the Yuchengco Group of Companies led by Helen Yuchengco Dee, Chairperson of RCBC and YGC; Eugene S. Acevedo, President and CEO of RCBC; Paolo Y. Abaya, President and CEO of Malayan Insurance; Richard S. Lim, President and CEO of SunLife Grepa; Arniel Ong, President and CEO of RCBC Credit Cards; Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, President of Mapua University; Lorenzo V. Tan, Vice Chairman of House of Investments. The strong act of solidarity espouses YGC’s overarching goal – the power of synergy and a unified desire to be boundless in being the country’s agents for digital transformation. The conglomerate-wide digital collaboration was established since 2018 with its signed data sharing agreement.

In 2022, RCBC Digital, the predecessor of RCBC Pulz, posted a 60% growth in revenue, 27% increase in account opening, 32% surge in transaction volume, and a 44% jump in transaction value. RCBC is also one of the most awarded banks for its digital innovations, including a three-peat win as Asiamoney’s Best Bank for Digital. RCBC prides itself to be the only Philippine bank recognized among the three winners in Asia Pacific by the Gartner Eye on Innovation award alongside global giants and innovators in financial services; the first and only Philippine bank to have received YouTube’s Challenger Award; and the Grand Champion for Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion by the Bankers Institute of the Philippines, among more than 80 global and regional accolades during the pandemic period.

With the launch of the new RCBC Pulz, RCBC once again leads the digital banking revolution in the Philippines, cementing its position as the country's undisputed #1 digital challenger bank. It is now the Philippines’ 5th largest privately-owned universal bank from 8th in 2018 that breached the P1-Trillion asset mark by the end of June 2022 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. RCBC remains steadfast in its pursuit of driving innovation, empowering customers, and spearheading transformative change within the banking industry.





Caption:

Photo 1:

From L-R: RCBC Credit Cards President and CEO Arniel B. Ong; RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito M. Villanueva; House of Investments Inc. President Lorenzo V. Tan; RCBC Chairperson Helen Yuchengco-Dee; RCBC President and CEO Eugene S. Acevedo; Malayan Insurance President and CEO Paolo Y. Abaya; Sun Life Grepa Financial Inc. President Richard S. Lim.