Filipino students are encouraged to explore high-paying and meaningful careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as they choose their education paths beyond senior high school.
Despite the availability of specialized tracks under the K-12 curriculum—including STEM, General Academic Strand (GAS), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), and Technical Vocational (TechVoc)—many senior high school graduates remain undecided about which course to pursue in college.
A study by the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment in 2021 found that many students hesitate to pursue STEM careers due to low confidence in their skills and lack of awareness about opportunities in the field.
Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Director IV Dr. Jayeel S. Cornelio emphasized,
“On the personal end, it builds essential skills such as creativity, critical thinking, futures-thinking, and problem-solving skills, among many others. Meanwhile, on the societal end, the field gives birth to innovations and research that shape our world for the better.”
Students who did not take the STEM track in high school can still pursue STEM courses in college through bridging programs and additional coursework provided by most Philippine universities.
The 2022 Occupational Wages Survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority reveals that most of the country’s highest-paying careers fall under STEM. Among the top earners are:
- Software Developers – PHP 70,595/month
- Mathematicians/Actuaries – PHP 69,654
- Specialist Medical Practitioners – PHP 57,476
- Statisticians – PHP 51,607
- General Medical Practitioners – PHP 51,251
- Geologists – PHP 49,059
Dr. Cornelio added,
“They can also pave the way for emerging industries by pioneering studies in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, and space exploration.”
Common STEM career paths include:
- Science: Biologist, Chemist, Environmental Scientist, Medical Scientist, Pharmacologist, Food Scientist, Forensic Scientist
- Technology: Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, Web Developer, IT Auditor, Computer Network Architect
- Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Biomedical, and Computer Engineer
DOST-SEI also seeks to correct misconceptions that only the academically gifted can pursue STEM or that it is limited to scientists and engineers.
“In fact, STEM courses, at its core, help develop the student’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as creativity… What sets STEM apart is its deeper appreciation of the world’s intricacies that may or may not be seen by the naked eye,” DOST-SEI noted.
To build interest, students can engage in science fairs, robotics clubs, and research competitions. The agency also promotes inclusion and accessibility through outreach and financial aid.
Some of its initiatives include:
- #Push4Science and NuLab experiential programs
- IndieSiyensya science filmmaking contest
- Girls and Gears, a robotics competition for Filipina students
- Climate Science Youth Camp, a two-week program on climate science
From 2018 to 2024, DOST-SEI has supported:
- 263,000 undergraduate scholars
- 26,910 master’s degree scholars
- 6,330 doctorate scholars
“At its core, STEM careers shape society,” Dr. Cornelio concluded.
“It helps drive technological progress, economic growth, and industrial innovations that propel the country toward development.”
Interested students may learn more and apply for DOST scholarships through the DOST-SEI website and their official Facebook page.
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