Animated Adventures in Learning: DOST-SEI Unveils RadyoEskwela sa Siyensya for Young Filipino Students

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

 

In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize STEM education for young learners, the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) has breathed new life into the traditional classroom through a delightfully animated series—RadyoEskwela sa Siyensya. What once began as a humble series of radio lessons has now transformed into a vibrant and engaging animated program, bringing science and math concepts to life for elementary school students across the Philippines.

At a time when distance and hybrid learning have become the new normal, the challenge of keeping young minds engaged—especially in subjects like science and math—has only grown more daunting. But the DOST-SEI’s innovative leap from soundwaves to screens is rewriting the narrative, proving that education can be just as entertaining as it is enlightening.

From Airwaves to Animation: A Leap in Learning

RadyoEskwela sa Siyensya is not just another educational tool—it’s a storytelling experience. Through colorful animation and lovable characters like Kaikai and Bart, students are taken on imaginative adventures that cleverly weave core scientific and mathematical principles into their storylines. These characters do more than teach—they inspire, inviting kids to laugh, wonder, and discover alongside them.

The program currently boasts 15 episodes, each carefully crafted to target foundational concepts in mathematics and science. Topics range from financial literacy, ratio and proportion, to area and volume, while the science modules span life sciences, physical sciences, and earth sciences—delving into subjects like plant propagation, chemistry, volcanoes, and solar eclipses.

What sets RadyoEskwela apart is its deep cultural relevance. Episodes such as “Bakit Blue ang Langit?”, “Gagambahay,” and “Kiwot Bees” creatively incorporate Filipino themes and local folklore, offering children a chance to see science through a familiar and uniquely Filipino lens.

A Mission of Inclusion and Excitement

"RadyoEskwela embodies our mission to make science and math education inclusive, engaging, and accessible to all Filipino learners," stated DOST-SEI Director Dr. Jayeel S. Cornelio. "With this animated series, we are not only expanding its reach but also making learning more interactive and exciting for young Filipinos. We hope this initiative sparks interest among students to further explore STEM."

This evolution into an animated format is part of DOST-SEI’s broader mission to democratize education—reaching students not just in cities, but across rural and underserved communities where traditional learning resources might be lacking.

All episodes are made freely accessible via nulab’s Facebook page, ensuring no child is left behind due to cost or distance. Whether viewed in the classroom, at home, or on the go, RadyoEskwela is now just a click away.

Building a STEM Future with TuklaSiyensya

The DOST-SEI’s efforts don’t stop at the elementary level. High school learners can dive deeper into the wonders of STEM through TuklaSiyensya, a similarly animated program that introduces more complex scientific concepts in an interactive, student-friendly way. The first season features 15 action-packed episodes, complete with animation explainers, expert-facilitated demonstrations, and guided post-viewing activities.

Like RadyoEskwela, TuklaSiyensya is also available for free online, creating a comprehensive suite of learner support programs for a wide range of grade levels.

A Call to Educators, Parents, and Communities

As the nation continues to adapt to the evolving educational landscape, the DOST-SEI is calling on teachers, school administrators, and parents to integrate these free resources into their teaching and learning plans. These programs aren’t just tools—they’re gateways to a new generation of Filipino scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and innovators.

By bringing math and science into the digital age with a uniquely Filipino flavor, RadyoEskwela sa Siyensya is more than just an educational series. It’s a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and the boundless potential of the young Filipino mind.

To explore RadyoEskwela, TuklaSiyensya, and other initiatives from the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute, visit sei.dost.gov.ph or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/DOST.SEI.

In every story, experiment, and equation—there’s a future Filipino scientist waiting to be inspired.

Guardians of Democracy: Angara Applauds PBBM, DBM for Boosting Teachers’ Election Honoraria

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In an inspiring affirmation of the nation’s gratitude to its silent heroes, Education Secretary Sonny Angara extended his heartfelt thanks to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for granting an additional ₱1,000 across-the-board election honoraria to teachers and other poll workers. This latest gesture serves as both financial relief and a symbolic recognition of the immense role educators play in preserving the integrity of Philippine democracy.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has greenlit the release of ₱758.459 million, ensuring that over 758,000 poll workers, predominantly public school teachers, will receive the added compensation on top of the previously approved ₱2,000 increase under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has assured that full election compensation, inclusive of these increases, will be disbursed within ten days after election day.

A Nation’s Salute to Its Educators

“Every hour they spent at the precincts, many working past midnight, is a testament to their public service,” Secretary Angara declared, his voice echoing the sentiments of countless Filipinos who witnessed their teachers—often unassuming and overburdened—transform into frontline defenders of electoral integrity.

He emphasized that the honoraria boost is “more than a financial relief… it is symbolic of the country’s respect for teachers as guardians of democracy.”

Indeed, election day for these educators isn’t confined to casting votes. From dawn till deep into the night, they oversee the polls, calm agitated voters, ensure the accuracy of vote counts, and remain vigilant against fraud and technical issues. Often, they sacrifice their weekends, holidays, and rest days to prepare for and conduct elections with utmost impartiality and precision.

Record-Breaking Turnout: A Testament to Teacher Leadership

This year's elections shattered expectations, registering an 81.65 percent voter turnout — the highest in COMELEC history. Secretary Angara did not hesitate to credit this remarkable civic engagement to the dedication of teachers and DepEd personnel who worked tirelessly to prepare for the elections, train for emergencies, and manage voters with compassion and efficiency.

“We know our teachers and staff played a vital role in ensuring the credibility, order, and success of the polls,” Angara affirmed. “Their commitment empowered more Filipinos to believe in the process and cast their votes.”

Presidential Directive: A Step Towards Justice

Secretary Pangandaman confirmed that the additional ₱1,000 was a result of a directive from President Marcos, underscoring his administration’s commitment to fair and just compensation for the unsung election frontliners. It reflects a broader agenda to honor the hard work of educators who continuously go above and beyond their roles, not only within the classroom but in every facet of public service.

For decades, election-related duties have weighed heavily on teachers, often with minimal recognition and modest remuneration. This long-overdue adjustment, while still modest in the eyes of many, sets a precedent for future administrations to prioritize the welfare of these vital workers.

A Call for Sustained Support

While the honoraria increase has been widely welcomed, educators’ groups and civic organizations continue to call for institutional reforms — including hazard pay, increased legal protection, and health insurance coverage — recognizing that election duty is not without risks. Harassment, fatigue, and even threats of violence are part of the burden they carry quietly, year after year.

Nonetheless, the latest development marks a hopeful shift toward a more appreciative and equitable treatment of teachers in the electoral process.

Final Word: A Democracy Built on Dedication

In every school that turned into a polling station, behind every ballot counted, and in every long queue that moved with order and trust — there stood a teacher, steadfast and principled. This ₱1,000 may seem like a small token, but for many educators, it speaks volumes.

It is a nation’s way of saying: Thank you for holding the line.

Thank you for believing in democracy even when it is hard.

Thank you for being more than just teachers — but defenders of the people’s voice.

As the dust settles from the historic May 2025 elections, one thing is clear:

The soul of our democracy beats strong, because the hands that cradle it belong to our teachers.

By Ross Flores Del Rosario

Founder, Wazzup Pilipinas – Your Voice, Your Story, Your Philippines

Seconds That Save Lives: How the Philippines is Becoming Southeast Asia’s Beacon of Emergency Response and Resilience

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a region often at the mercy of typhoons, earthquakes, and man-made disasters, one country is quietly but powerfully rewriting its narrative—not as a nation in need, but as a global model of disaster resilience and smart governance.

The Philippines, long familiar with the chaos left by natural calamities, is turning the tide with one crucial innovation: a next-generation 911 emergency response system that rivals those in the United States and Europe. Now fully operational in a growing list of local government units (LGUs)—including Morong, Rizal; Cebu City; Tagbilaran City; and Cagayan de Oro—the country is proving that technological transformation, when guided by visionary leadership, can save not only lives but an entire nation’s future.

A Race Against Time: Response in Just 3 to 5 Minutes

Imagine your home engulfed in flames, your loved one having a stroke, or your village under sudden floodwaters. In such moments, every second matters. In these newly upgraded LGUs, response teams are now deployed within just 3 to 5 minutes of receiving an emergency call or message. This speed is made possible by cutting-edge IP-based command centers equipped with real-time multimedia communication tools—allowing distressed citizens to send texts, photos, or even videos to help responders assess the scene before they arrive.

For residents of these LGUs, it’s a revolution. For the rest of the nation, it’s a glimpse into the future.

Tech with a Purpose: Innovation That Saves Lives

“This isn’t just about faster response times. It’s about smarter, safer, and more accountable governance,” says Don Ferguson, CEO of NGA 911 LLC and one of the minds behind the revolutionary emergency tech now being adopted in the Philippines.

A respected figure in the U.S. and Europe’s public safety sectors, Ferguson sees the Philippines as fertile ground for transformation. “The LGUs using NGA 911’s technology are now equipped for coordinated, data-driven decision-making—something that’s crucial during large-scale disasters,” he explains.

Among the system’s standout features:

Precise geolocation, ensuring responders go exactly where they’re needed

Multimedia capabilities, allowing dispatchers to receive and analyze live photos or videos

Prank call elimination, thanks to caller authentication tech

Inter-agency coordination, improving efficiency during disasters and crises

A New Identity: From Calamity Magnet to Crisis Model

With the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) advocating for a unified national emergency system, the Philippines is no longer just reacting to disasters—it is preparing for them with military-like precision. And this preparation is reshaping how the world sees the country.

According to Ferguson, tourists, investors, and international agencies are taking notice. “When a country shows it can take care of its people—especially during emergencies—it builds trust,” he says. “And trust attracts both tourism and investment.”

This sentiment is already being felt on the ground. Regions with these systems in place are seeing:

Increased traveler confidence

Boosts in local economic activity

Job creation in tech and emergency services

Innovation hubs forming around public safety technologies

From Crisis to Confidence: The Bigger Picture

But beyond the numbers and systems is a deeper truth: this shift is about empowering every Filipino citizen, from the remotest barangay to the most urban district. With this technology, help is always within reach, regardless of social status or geographic location.

It also allows for a new kind of governance—one that is transparent, accountable, and data-informed. Every emergency call becomes part of a digital trail that tracks how public servants respond. Performance can be measured. Resources can be optimized. And lives, most importantly, can be saved.

The Vision Ahead: A Nation That Leads, Not Lags

“The future will be bright,” Ferguson confidently declares. “With this infrastructure in place, the Philippines won’t just be known for its beaches and food—it will be recognized as a leader in innovation and in protecting its people.”

For a country that has long weathered storms—both literal and metaphorical—this shift is more than just technological. It’s cultural. It’s transformational. It’s a rebirth of identity, from victim of calamity to vanguard of resilience.

Final Word

If fully implemented across the country, the Philippines’ advanced emergency response system could become one of its most powerful legacies in the 21st century. It’s not just a story of software and sirens. It’s a story of people who deserve to be protected—and of leaders finally making that promise real.

In a time when emergencies are inevitable, being ready isn’t just smart—it’s heroic. And the Philippines may be leading the way.