SENATOR Jinggoy Estrada filed a measure that seeks to establish fully equipped science laboratories in every public elementary and secondary school in the country.

Senate Bill 1081 or the proposed Science Laboratory for Basic Education Act aims to enhance the teaching and science education of students through the construction of more laboratories.

“This is one of the practical interventions to the low scores of Filipino students in Math and Science assessment,” Estrada said in his explanatory note.

The senator cited the statement of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development that said that out of approximately 13,000 high schools across the Philippines, more than 4,500 have no access to a laboratory.

While lectures and class discussions are important teaching methods, hands-on and immersive experience prove useful and effective in allowing students to better appreciate new concepts and ideas, Estrada said.

He added that science laboratories also help students develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, resourcefulness, reasoning and analysis.

The lawmaker said that science laboratories can serve as playground for students where they can build and nurture interest in science and all its related fields at an early age.