At the STEM Kapihan Panel Discussion held on April 17, 2026, at Emerson Electric in Mandaluyong City, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) joined education leaders, industry partners, and stakeholders in a critical conversation on the future of education in the Philippines.
With the theme “Emergency Alert! Education in Crisis — Are Future Teachers Ready?”, the panel addressed urgent challenges, from declining student proficiency to gaps in teacher preparation and specialization.
Representing PSFI, Executive Director Sebastian C. Quiniones, Jr. emphasized that the crisis begins with weak foundations in learning.
“By the time Filipino students reach Grade 12, less than one percent meet expected learning standards.”
This steep decline underscores the need to strengthen literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking early, calling for coordinated action across education and industry.
Industry as a Co-Educator
Quiniones highlighted that improving learning outcomes is not the responsibility of schools alone. Industry has a role to play in shaping how students learn, not just how they are prepared for employment.
“Industry is not external to education. We are a stakeholder, a partner, and in many ways, a co-educator.”
By contributing real-world context and applied learning opportunities, industry can help make education more relevant and responsive to current challenges.
Strengthening Learners and Teachers Together
Drawing from PSFI’s experience, Quiniones shared how experiential STEM programs can help address systemic gaps. Through initiatives such as NXplorers, students developed stronger critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while teachers gained exposure to more inquiry-based and practice-oriented approaches.
He also emphasized the importance of investing in teacher development, particularly in expanding practical training and addressing subject specialization gaps. Strengthening both learners and educators remains essential to improving outcomes across the system.
Moving Forward Through Partnership
The STEM Kapihan panel reinforced a clear direction. Addressing the education crisis will require sustained collaboration, aligned efforts, and long-term commitment from both the education sector and industry.
Through its programs and partnerships, PSFI continues to contribute to this shared goal, helping build stronger learning foundations and more resilient education systems for Filipino communities.
