As part of its continuing initiatives to strengthen the teaching of Science, Technology and Engineering (STE) in basic education, the Department of Education (DepEd) is providing financial support to 198 public high schools nationwide implementing the STE program.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said the specialized curriculum is offered in two classes per year level in selected general high schools with large enrolment.

“There are students who are naturally gifted in the sciences and we are duty-bound to support them following the government’s national development agenda, which is anchored mainly on science and technology,” Luistro said.

According to DepEd Order No. 38 series of 2013, DepEd shall support the program by providing financial support to public secondary schools implementing the STE program, which used to be known as Engineering and Science Education Program (ESEP) when it was piloted in 1994 by the Department of Science & Technology (DOST).

Based on its readiness to implement the special curricular program, 98 public secondary schools—composed of 112 ESEP schools and 86 additional schools—will receive developmental support fund from DepEd; in which each school will receive a fixed allocation of P144, 000.00 and a variable allocation of P500 per student at two sections per year level, but not exceeding 320 students.

Luistro pointed out that the fund will be used for supplies and materials for science investigatory projects and laboratory needs.

“It can also be used to pay for students’ research projects, rental of equipment including computer or science laboratories, and transportation,” he added.

It can also be spent for subscription to print and non-print instructional materials in Science and Mathematics as well as for the professional training of Science and Mathematics teachers including attendance to seminars authorized by DepEd. The fund can also pay for the tuition and miscellaneous expenses of teachers, who are enrolled in science and mathematics-related graduated programs.

“You can also tap the fund for minor repairs and maintenance of science laboratories and existing science equipment so that our STE schools can respond promptly to their immediate needs,” Luistro explained.