Improving STEM education could boost PH’s competitiveness
Strengthening the Philippines’ STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs will give the Philippines an opportunity to compete with countries with lower wages., said Rizal Commercial Banking Corp Chief Economist Michael Ricafort.
In an interview with BusinessWorld, Ricafort stated that improving the country’s STEM initiative would help better position the Philippines “in the higher end of the global supply chain and as an alternative investment destination for high-tech industries.”
The economist added that the country could strengthen its position as a major supplier of semiconductors and other components for electronics.
“Thus, increasing the supply of high-tech professionals would offer opportunities for the country as an alternative to Silicon Valley,” he noted.
Meanwhile, ACT-Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro said the STEM education program must also be directed towards local industry development and not just towards producing overseas labor.
The lawmaker added that the current administration would not solve the skills gap if they do not address the education infrastructure issues while also creating additional jobs and raising the base salary of laborers.
