Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI), Center for Integrated STEM Education Inc. (CISTEM) and FilSciHub (FSH) have entered into a tripartite agreement as part of the rollout of the Agham Para sa Pagbabago (APP) Project of the Lopez Learning Synergy Summit Education Cluster.

CISTEM and FSH will be helping KCFI in the training of science teachers under APP.

During the ceremonial MOA signing event, FilSciHub founder and president Jeffrey Camacho Bunquin emphasized the importance of the partnership in improving STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education in the country.

“Napakaganda po ng magiging kinabukasan ng ating bansa kung mas mapapahusay pa natin ang kakayahan ng ating mga kababayan lalo na ng mga kabataan pagdating sa areas ng science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Bunquin said.

CISTEM executive director Sheryl Lyn Monterola echoed the importance of collaboration.

“This convergence, this coming together of different organizations is a step towards really establishing that ecosystem to support learning in the country. We cannot do it alone, we have to converge, we have to synergize our efforts so that we will be able to create greater impact,” Monterola said.

KCFI president and executive director Rina Lopez believes the APP Project will help spark change in teaching STEM in schools.

“Sa kalagitnaan ng learning crisis, naniniwala ako na lahat ay kaya natin gawin basta’t tayo ay magtutulungan. Magtulungan tayo lahat para maiangat ang kalidad ng edukasyon ng mga batang Pilipino, ang bagong henerasyon ng mga Pilipinong siyentistang handa sa hamon ng 21st century,” Lopez emphasized.

The Education Cluster composed of 12 Lopez Group organizations is led by Lopez with Atty. Amina Amado of Lopez Holdings Corporation as cochair.

APP is a pilot project in the coastal area of Lobo, Batangas that supports Malabrigo public school students. Grade 3 and Grade 7 students who benefit from this project will receive tablets and special learning kits that will allow them to participate in an advanced and innovative science and technology curriculum. (Story/Photos by: Michael Ramos)