First Eduspec Inc. (FEI) is at the forefront of advancing STEAM education in the Philippines, addressing the urgent challenges highlighted by the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). With Filipino students ranking 77th out of 81 countries, there is a critical need to improve performance in math, science, and technology to prepare learners for a competitive, tech-driven future.
Through its STEAM-STRONG initiative, First Eduspec Inc. offers innovative educational solutions, including STEAM curricula, advanced tools, authentic assessments, and teacher training programs. These initiatives are designed to fully unlock the potential of Filipino learners and equip them for the demands of the 21st century.
Strengthening Education Through STEAM
In a special event themed “Armed and Equipped: Nurturing Future-Ready Citizens Through Leveled-Up STEAM Learning with First Eduspec Inc.,” First Eduspec Inc. reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing STEAM education in partnership with Rex Education, a leading academic publisher. The program featured keynotes from experts, including FEI General Manager Willard Paras and Dr. Alfons Jayson Pelgone of the Philippine Normal University.
“At FEI, our mission is to deliver relevant, needs-driven, and evidence-based STEAM learning solutions that address the evolving needs of education,” Paras emphasized. He outlined the four pillars of FEI’s STEAM-STRONG programs:
- 1. STEAM Curriculum: Fostering 21st-century skills.
- 2. Authentic Assessments: Enabling evidence-based teaching and skill evaluation.
- 3. Educational Technology: Familiarizing students and teachers with tools for the future workplace.
- 4. Capacity Building: Empowering institutions and educators to effectively implement these programs.
Paras added, “We work closely with schools to prepare them for the STEAM journey, offering training to make teachers competent STEAM advocates who can empower learners.”
A National Call to Action
Rex Education CEO Don Timothy Buhain highlighted the Philippines’ low PISA ranking as a challenge that requires immediate action. “How are we teaching STEAM? Are we providing learners the tools they need to succeed in the real world?” Buhain asked, encouraging collective efforts to improve educational outcomes.
“With FEI’s guidance, our STEAM offerings have significantly evolved, enabling us to better serve learners. As we approach Rex Education’s 75th anniversary, this partnership grows stronger, advancing our shared goal of nurturing Filipino students,” Buhain said.
Innovations for the Digital Age
The integration of digital learning technologies is transforming how students interact with information. Recognizing this, PISA has introduced the Learning in a Digital World domain to evaluate students’ ability to thrive in technology-rich environments. First Eduspec Inc’s STEAM-STRONG programs align with this evolution, helping improve student performance and readiness for the digital era.
Pioneering Robotics and Advanced Learning
The event also launched the Partnership Graduate Studies Program with First City Providential College, offering advanced opportunities in STEAM and robotics education. Additionally, the Federation of Robotics Schools in the Philippines was soft-launched, aiming to promote coding, robotics, and STEAM learning nationwide.
Among the 55 schools participating in First Eduspec Inc’s robotics program for SY 2024–2025, St. Mary’s College showcased an agricultural robot prototype designed to assist Filipino farmers. This innovation demonstrates the vast potential of robotics and the exceptional talents of Filipino students.