Press Release
March 29, 2012

ANGARA: NEW SCIENCE GRADUATES ARE KEY TO FUTURE
OF PHL S&T SECTOR

Senator Edgardo J. Angara reminded the new graduates and fledgling scientists to forge new trails in innovation during the 39th Commencement Exercises of the University of Makati's College of Computer Science.

"There has been no more exciting time in our history to be a student of technology than today: the era of information and communication, a time of great discoveries and frequent breakthroughs--and you belong to a program that is a prime creator of present and future knowledge and wealth," said Angara.

During the commencement address, the veteran legislator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture urged the young graduates to take advantage of all the opportunities being offered to them as they enter the workforce.

"With the world so open and connected through technology, only your imagination will limit the opportunities you can create and seize," he said.

He lamented, however, our country's poor performance in worldwide competitiveness rankings especially in the mastery of math and science.

"Our students' performance in terms of Science, Math and Technology remains lackluster. This can explain why poverty remains a problem--we are not making the most out of our country's potential for prosperity because we do not have sufficient capacity for S&T and innovation," said Angara.

According to Angara, who chairs the Senate Committee on Science and Technology as well as the bicameral Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), science graduates are up against formidable challenges because the Philippines has historically fared poorly in S&T performance.

He said that one way to improve this situation is by ensuring that graduates are highly skilled and trained, thereby productive and competitive.

"Our country needs the brightest minds to find these technologies, adapt them to our needs, and eventually innovate on them--in short make them for the Filipino, by the Filipino," he explained.

The former UP President also reminded the students of their new role as productive members of society.

"Filipinos are naturally creative. Equipped with the proper tools and adequate knowledge, Filipinos can create and innovate to the degree that will put them shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. You should also consider yourself responsible because it will be up to your generation, and those to come, to turn that prediction into reality", he stressed.

In conclusion, Angara encouraged the students of the state-run university to give back to the community that has provided them with excellent education.

"The promise of the future to you is so great. You must not waste your youth and all the opportunities being offered to you, and I hope we will find you among those who will give generously back to our country and help it chart a more prosperous future." said Angara.

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