Press Release
April 14, 2007

RP future lies in technology Angara

Sen. Edgardo J. Angara said yesterday that the stride of Philippine progress would be greater if it could not only keep in step with advances in technology but also be an innovative force in it.

There have been so many tremendous advances in technology over the last decade, and its pace is accelerating. Every day, new things are discovered, and with the increase in scientific knowledge, there is a corresponding increase in the demand for educated students, he said.

Angara, lamented, however, that the educational system is not designed to meet the demand for technological or scientific skills. He noted that while 4 million technical jobs are expected to be generated in the Philippines in the next five years, the countrys schools could only produce 2.7-million graduates with the needed technical skills.

The time is overdue that we undertake a comprehensive review and assessment of the state of competitiveness of the nations math, science, engineering and technology to stem the decline of our most precious resource our people, he said.

Angara said he authored a joint resolution calling for the creation of a Congressional Commission on Math, Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) to undertake this review and assessment. A joint resolution, unlike an ordinary resolution that merely expresses the sentiment of the House or the Senate, has the force and effect ofa law once passed by both chambers. Angaras COMSTE will be constituted once the 14th Congress starts its regular session.

He said that the review would place the educational system under the microscope to ensure that it would be adequately provided with the necessary funding requirement and the related infrastructure support.

The entire Philippine science and technology system must work toward a fuller and more focused scope of interventions to reap the most number of benefits to Filipinos regardless of economic or social standing or industry, he stressed.

Angara expressed confidence that COMSTE would put math, science, technology and engineering on the right footing so that the Philippines could adequately face the 21st century.

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