UPD-CS, Basilan Launch Training Program to Strengthen Math and Science Education

Published: September 29, 2026
By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

RISE-BASILAN focuses on enhancing teachers’ mastery of key areas in Earth Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology through workshops led by UPD-CS faculty. (Photo credit: Dr. Jillian Aira Gabo-Ratio)

Students in geographically remote and economically disadvantaged provinces in the Philippines often face barriers to performing well in college entrance exams, particularly in science. Many enter senior high school with gaps in foundational knowledge, partly due to limited access to sustained, content-focused professional development for teachers. When teachers struggle with core scientific concepts, it can be challenging to strengthen students’ understanding and problem-solving skills.

 

The University of the Philippines Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS), in partnership with the University of the Philippines, the Province of Basilan, and the Schools Division Offices of Basilan and Lamitan, implemented Project RISE: Reinforcing Instruction in Mathematics and Science Education in Basilan (RISE-BASILAN) from July 20-24, 2026 in Lamitan City, Basilan. The workshop brought together 64 teachers, including 32 Mathematics teachers and 32 Science teachers.

 

RISE-BASILAN aims to strengthen the competencies of Senior High School (SHS) Mathematics and Science teachers in Basilan by providing up-to-date content, effective pedagogical approaches, and hands-on learning experiences to improve Mathematics and Science education outcomes in the province.

 

“RISE-BASILAN builds on an earlier initiative by the College of Science conducted in Tawi-Tawi in 2018. The project seeks to continue that initiative and sustain UPD-CS’s commitment to supporting Mathematics and Science education in underserved areas,” project leader Dr. Jillian Aira Gabo-Ratio noted.

 

The workshop brought together 64 teachers, including 32 Mathematics teachers and 32 Science teachers. (Photo credit: Dr. Jillian Aira Gabo-Ratio)

The program focuses on enhancing teachers’ mastery of key areas in Mathematics, Earth Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology through workshops led by UPD-CS faculty, with an emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving strategies in pre-college science topics.

 

“The Institute of Chemistry donated molecular model kits through fundraising efforts among faculty and alumni. The National Institute of Geological Sciences also provided rock and mineral kits, with some purchased by the Basilan government and others donated by making.technology manufacturing. The National Institute of Physics, through former Dean Giovanni Tapang and making.technology manufacturing, donated VISSER (Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education and Research) kits to the Basilan Schools Division, which were used to demonstrate science concepts more efficiently,” Dr. Gabo-Ratio said.

 

RISE-BASILAN highlights the role of academic institutions, such as UPD-CS, in strengthening teacher capacity and promoting the local replication of training in communities to expand opportunities for students to succeed academically.

 

“RISE-BASILAN is more than a training program—it is our collective commitment to raising the quality of Mathematics and Science education in Basilan. By empowering our teachers with innovative strategies and strengthening our partnerships with the University of the Philippines, the Provincial Government, and other stakeholders, we are investing in the future of every Basilan learner. Together, we are building a generation of critical thinkers, innovators, and future leaders,” Schools Division Superintendent of Basilan Dr. Myra Borja Mangkabung said during the opening program, underscoring the importance of investing in teachers.

 

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact media@science.upd.edu.ph.