CAGAYAN de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez filed a measure that would require the establishment of fully-equipped science laboratories in every public elementary and secondary school.

In filing House Bill 5365 or the proposed Science Laboratory for Basic Education Act, Rodriguez said that science and technology is a vital tool for national economic development.

He added that studies have shown a positive relationship between economic development and scientific and technological capability.

“In an era of rapid scientific and technological development, the State should provide mechanisms to enable the country to be globally competitive,” the lawmaker said.

Rodriguez said that one mechanism is to create a science and technology educational program that will propel the country to be at par with Asian neighbors.

“To meet the demands of the times, we must start improving our Science and Technology educational system. We must increase infrastructure support to build and upgrade laboratory rooms and provide facilities in all public elementary and secondary schools,” the lawmaker added.

Rodriguez also emphasized the need to provide venue and materials for students’ direct and hands-on experiences in Science and Technology learning.