Bridging Gaps in Philippine STEM and Research Education at Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2025
Undeniably, the Philippine education system faces challenges that continue to hinder the full realization of the nation’s potential. According to Chi (2025), the most recent Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) report notes that while “the Philippines has proven talent and resilience,” there is still work to be done in translating these strengths into “stronger research output and global visibility.” Unfortunately, the challenges in advancing research in the country begin even before students reach the university level. The country’s consistently low performance in PISA reflects persistent gaps in high school students’ mathematical, scientific, reading, and critical thinking competencies (OECD, 2023). Indeed, these results highlight the multifaceted issues within the national education system that must be addressed to achieve holistic improvement.
Fortunately, numerous efforts are being made to advance the development of Philippine education. One such company leading this charge is Focus Systems Corporation, a Japanese IT company that strives to support schools and enhance education in the Philippines via its technologies with heart. Through dedicated efforts to understand grassroots educational issues, Focus Systems has collaborated with local institutions and companies to create meaningful and lasting change in the learning landscape. A prime example of this commitment is its partnership with Leave a Nest Philippines in conducting robotics and STEM workshops for students in various schools across the country, such as Marian School of Quezon City and PAREF Woodrose School, (read more through this link). By introducing hands-on programming and real-world applications of science and technology, these workshops aim to nurture curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Through initiatives that invest in the country’s future talent, Focus Systems continues to bridge the gap between classroom learning and innovation.
While convoluted problems can only be solved one step at a time, Focus Systems Corporation remains steadfast in its commitment to developing meaningful innovations that address the root causes of educational challenges. This dedication will be further demonstrated through its upcoming collaboration with Leave a Nest at the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2025, in a panel session titled “Innovations for STEM and Research Education: Identifying Challenges and Rectifying Gaps.”
The discussion aims to uncover pressing issues in the Philippine education system — particularly within STEM and research education at both the secondary and university levels — by bringing together representatives from the science and technology education sector, universities, and secondary schools. Serving as a platform for collaboration and exchange, the session seeks not only to identify gaps but also to open new avenues for innovation, inspiring Focus Systems to explore how its technologies, such as the Beacon device and other emerging tools, can be adapted or expanded to strengthen STEM and research education nationwide.
| Session Panelists | |
Hanny Pearl S. Camerino Project Manager Jeremake Innovations, Inc. |
Hanny Pearl S. Camerino is an experienced Project Manager, notable in the educational field and particularly adept at managing STEM-related learning project. At Jeremake, she has been instrumental in the progress of the Makeroscope—a keychain microscope project that aims to make scientific exploration accessible to all. Her work involves developing learning enrichment materials that supplement the use of the Makeroscope, thus giving a hands-on approach to STEM education. Backing her practical experience, she is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Environmental Science at the University of the Philippines, reinforcing her Bachelor's in Mathematics and Science Teaching from the same institution.
Hanny's professional and academic accomplishments, combined with her continuous participation in research and training in STEM education, artificial intelligence, and environmental responsibility, make her an invaluable asset to the Jeremake team. In addition, her active affiliation with the Philippine Association of Environmental Science Students demonstrates her commitment to the advancement of her field. |
Restie R. Concepcion Business Development Consultant Various Educational Institutions |
Restie R. Concepcion holds an MBA from the Ateneo de Manila University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Santo Tomas. With over 15 years of experience in academic management, he has led and developed various educational institutions, including Asian College, the College of Arts and Sciences of Asia and the Pacific, and the prestigious Asian Institute of Management (AIM).
He is an active member of the Philippine Marketing Association and the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD). Since 2015, Mr. Concepcion has been a licensed Certified Professional Marketer (CPM), reflecting his commitment to excellence and leadership in the fields of marketing and education. |
Mark Archei O. Javier, MSc Master Teacher I Muntinlupa Science High School |
Mark Archei O. Javier is a trainer, lecturer, and educator by heart and by profession. He finished Bachelor of Science in Biology for Teachers with Certificate in Teaching Mathematics at the Philippine Normal University (PNU), Manila. He earned his Master of Science in Biology degree at the De La Salle University (DLSU), Manila. He is a candidate for Doctor of Philosophy in Biology Education at the University of the Philippines – Open University (UPOU), Los Baños, Laguna.
Mr. Javier is currently a full-time graduate scholar of the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST–SEI) under the Capacity Building Program for Mathematics and Science Education (CBPMSE). With the scholarship and travel grants given by DOST–SEI, he was able to present his master’s thesis both in local and international scientific forums. He is an author of several textbooks and workbooks in Science under DIWA Publishing House and the Department of Education. He is currently a full-time Master Teacher I at Muntinlupa Science High School and an Assistant Professorial Lecturer at the De La Salle University teaching Genetics, Bioinformatics, Histology, and Developmental Biology. |
| Moderator | |
Edriel T. Lee Assistant Manager, Education Development Division Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc. |
Edriel Lee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Graduate Diploma in Biology from the University of the Philippines Diliman. From a young age, he has nurtured an insatiable curiosity about life and the natural world. With a particular interest in entomology, especially insect ecology and evolution, he actively advocates for biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, striving to reflect these values in all his pursuits. Equally passionate about science communication and education, he believes in their power to bridge the gap between science and society and to drive truly meaningful impact. |
The Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2025 (HIC PH 2025) will take place on 8 November 2025, at Quezon City University – Main Campus. Centered on the theme “Decoding Traditions, Recoding Innovation: Navigating Toward Adaptive Solutions,” this year’s conference serves as a dynamic platform that brings together researchers, startups, government stakeholders, and industry leaders to exchange ideas for a more progressive and sustainable Philippines.
By fostering collaboration across diverse fields, the conference aims to generate solutions that are both innovative and grounded in the realities of local communities. HIC PH 2025 will underscore the deep relationship between science and culture. That is, it will recognize that cultural perspectives shape how we understand and apply scientific knowledge, while scientific advancement continues to enrich and transform cultural practices in return.
HYPER INTERDISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES 2025
- Date: November 8, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM
- Venue: Quezon City University – Main
- Theme: Decoding Traditions, Recoding Innovation: Navigating Toward Adaptive Solutions
For more information about HIC in the Philippines 2025, please visit the page below:
https://hic.lne.st/en/schedule/ph2025/
If you are interested in joining as an attendee (free of charge for those affiliated with academia, government institutions, or university-based startups), please register using the link below:
https://global.lne.st/Attend-HICPH2025
Or, scan the QR code below:
