By Mary Licel Biscocho

Launched under the Department of Mathematics and the Institute of Arts and Science (IAS), Far Eastern University (FEU) introduced the Program for the Advancement in Mathematics (PAM), which is designed to address the continuous decline of the quality of mathematics education in the Philippines.

The program aims to build a community of teachers who shall be in charge of conducting research and organizing guidance to further cultivate the knowledge of mathematics experts.

The Summer Seminars for Students (SSS), Teachers' Workshop (TWo), and Competition or Olympiad for Problem Solving for students and teachers were also introduced. 

In December 2020, International Trends in Mathematics and Scientific Research (TIMSS) revealed that the Philippines had the lowest scores in mathematics and science.

According to the former Director of Science and Education Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Ester Ogena, the absence of culture for math and science is one of the major reasons why the country lags in international rankings.

Hence, aside from PAM, she suggested opening more scholarship slots for elementary students who excel in both subjects.

On the other hand, FEU President Michael Alba expressed that the government should also be held liable for this matter.

He observed how the succeeding secretaries of the Department of Education (DepEd) focused more on establishing their legacies which led to neglecting the need to sustain the projects and responsibilities of their predecessors.

Through the goals of PAM, the University aims to pioneer a more progressive educational system where constant development in mathematics and science is achieved.

The program was launched last July 24 in a webinar entitled "The Mathematics Landscape in the Philippines: Teaching and Learning, Research, and National Testing." Aside from Ogena and Alba, other academic professionals like former Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) President Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, ADMU Mathematics Professor Queena Lee Chua, and National Educators Academy of the Philippines Director John Arnold Siena were also present at the event.