The results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and other international standardized tests have brought attention to the poor performance of Filipino learners, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the quality of education in our country today. Filipino students are falling behind in critical areas, particularly math and science, ranking 77th among 81 countries in the 2022 PISA rankings released in December 2023.
For First Eduspec Inc. (FEI), this news presents a challenge and an opportunity to provide better support for learners by emphasizing their STEAM curriculum. With a purposive and well-designed STEAM curriculum, experiential tools to test and hone students’ skills, assessments to measure performance, and continuous professional development programs for teachers, Filipino learners can fully realize their potential and become more equipped and STEAM-strong. All these are offered by FEI, a multinational organization known for its innovative, technology-based educational solutions and services, and a sister company of Rex Education, a leading academic publisher in the country.
On October 11, FEI and REX underscored their commitment in a special program to address the challenges of providing better support for Filipino learners in STEAM education as they prepare to become future-ready citizens of a digital, technology-driven world.
Themed Armed and Equipped: Nurturing Future-Ready Citizens Through Leveled-Up STEAM Learning with First Eduspec Inc., the program featured keynotes from prominent STEAM stakeholders, including FEI General Manager Willard Paras and Dr. Alfons Jayson Pelgone of the Philippine Normal University. FEI and Rex Education also reaffirmed their commitment to actively support initiatives aimed at advancing the Philippine education system and further empowering Filipino learners.
“At FEI, we have made it our mission to come up with STEAM learning solutions that are relevant, needs-driven, and research- and evidence-based to respond to the ever-changing needs for innovative learning solutions,” Paras said, as he discussed the four pillars of FEI’s STEAM-STRONG programs:
STEAM curriculum designed to develop 21st-century skills.
Authentic assessment for evidence-based teaching, learning dynamics, and evaluation of students’ skills achievement.
Educational technology to help students and teachers familiarize themselves with the world of work.
Capacity building and professional development for institutions, and especially teachers, to effectively deliver these programs.
“We work closely with every partner and institution to ensure schools are ready to assist learners in their STEAM journey. We provide training and workshops to help empower teachers and instructors, enabling them to become competent STEAM enthusiasts who can, in turn, arm and equip our learners,” Paras added.
In his keynote, REX CEO Don Timothy Buhain reflected on the Philippines’ low PISA ranking, calling it “a challenge for all of us” and prompting the audience to consider these vital questions: How are we teaching STEAM in our schools? Are we truly giving our learners all the tools and support they need to succeed in the real world?
“This is a conversation we need to have, and I am happy we are here as part of the solution. We will do more,” Buhain assured.
“With FEI’s guidance, our STEAM offerings have been significantly enhanced, enabling us to better meet the needs of our learners. For us at REX, FEI is family—an integral contributor to the symphony of learning solutions we have developed over the years. This relationship grows stronger every day as we approach our 75th year of nurturing Filipino learners,” Buhain said.
These needs have only increased in the 21st century, with the introduction of digital learning technologies fundamentally transforming how people learn and interact with information. This transformation underscores the importance of technology—a core component of STEAM—in ensuring young people’s successful participation in all spheres of life.
 |
| Mr. Lim Soon Seong, President of First Eduspec Inc., and Mr. Willard Paras, General Manager of FEI Inc., present a certificate of appreciation to Dr. Alfons Jayson Pelgone of Philippine Normal University, the event's keynote speaker. |
 |
| St. Mary’s College wowed the audience with their groundbreaking Robot Project. Embracing the theme "Armed and Equipped: Nurturing Future-Ready Citizens with Leveled-Up STEAM Learning and Robotics," these young tech innovators showcased exceptional creativity, engineering skills, and problem-solving expertise. |
