RACE TOWARD PROGRESS IS THROUGH SCIENCE -- ANGARA

Educator and reelectionist senator Edgardo Angara called for a reassessment of the status of education, particularly in the areas of science, engineering and technology, at University of Cebu's commencement exercises last week.

Addressing hundreds of new graduates, the three-time senator underscored the need to expand the scope of science and technology subjects in the country's universities in order to cope with the demands of the times.

Angara noted that in Cebu many new jobs are assured with the continuing success of the province's homegrown furniture designers, as well as foreign investors and pioneers who have all made such a name for handicrafts and home furnishings that already the Philippines is being called the Milan of Asia

"Many of the graduates of Cebu are now working in Singapore and Dubai as engineers and designers," he acknowledged. "For some of you, that may be where the future lies."

According to Angara, the Philippines cannot remain dependent on other countries for breakthroughs in science and technology.

"The time is overdue that we undertake a comprehensive review and assessment of the state of competitiveness of the nation's science, engineering, and technology in order to stem the decline of our most precious resource our people," he maintained.

To this end, the workaholic senator has filed a resolution creating COMSET, a Congressional commission to review and assess the state of competitiveness of science, engineering and technology research and development (R&D) in the country

The resolution stresses that no less than the Constitution provides that the state shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts and culture and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development.

"With the emergence and growth of the global economy, policymakers and educators have turned to international comparisons to assess how well national systems of education are performing," Angara concluded.