National Children’s Science Congress 2026: “Siyensiya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan”

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are more than just academic subjects—they are the foundation of innovation, progress, and global competitiveness. Across the world, educators and policymakers recognize the importance of nurturing young minds to think critically, solve problems creatively, and collaborate effectively. The National Children’s Science Congress 2026, organized by the Science Club Advisers Association of the Philippines (SCAAP), is a shining example of how science education can be celebrated and strengthened through hands-on activities, research, and collaboration.

Held from February 20–22, 2026 at the La Vista Pansol Resort Complex in Calamba, Laguna, this congress brings together learners, teachers, and science club advisers from both public and private schools nationwide. With its theme, “Siyensiya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan” (Science, Technology, and Innovation: Partners for a Strong, Comfortable, and Secure Future), the event emphasizes the role of STEM in building a better tomorrow.

The Theme: Science and Innovation as Partners for the Future

The congress theme resonates globally. It highlights how science and technology are not just tools for discovery but essential partners in creating a sustainable, secure, and prosperous future. For U.S.-based readers, this message aligns with ongoing conversations about climate change, digital transformation, and the need for innovation-driven economies.

By focusing on resilience (matatag), comfort (maginhawa), and security (panatag), the congress underscores the holistic benefits of STEM education—not only for economic growth but also for social well-being.

Objectives of the Congress

The National Children’s Science Congress 2026 is designed with clear objectives that reflect international best practices in STEM education:

• Capacity-Building for Educators: Providing professional development opportunities for science club advisers to enhance mentoring and leadership skills.

• Promotion of STEM Education: Encouraging co-curricular programs, research activities, and science club initiatives that make science learning engaging and practical.

• Networking and Collaboration: Creating platforms for educators to share resources, exchange best practices, and build partnerships that strengthen science teaching nationwide.

These objectives mirror the priorities of many U.S. educational initiatives, making the congress relevant to a global audience interested in STEM advocacy.

Activities and Competitions: Learning Through Engagement

One of the most exciting aspects of the congress is its diverse range of activities and competitions. These events are carefully designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and teamwork among participants.

Science Investigatory Projects

Students present research in Life Science and Physical Science, either individually or as teams. These projects encourage young learners to apply scientific methods to real-world problems.

Science Quiz Bowl

A fast-paced competition that tests knowledge across various scientific disciplines, fostering both academic excellence and healthy competition.

Sci-Art Contest

Blending creativity with science, this contest allows students to express scientific concepts through art, proving that STEM and the arts can complement each other beautifully.

Science Journalism

Participants practice science communication by writing articles and reports, a skill increasingly vital in today’s information-driven society.

Odyssey of the Mind & Robotics

These activities challenge students to think outside the box, solve problems innovatively, and explore the exciting world of robotics and engineering.

Science Jingle, Word Factory, and Trivia

Fun, engaging contests that make science accessible and enjoyable for younger learners, reinforcing the idea that STEM can be both educational and entertaining.

Teacher-Led Initiatives

Educators also participate through Science Action Research (Sci Clubbing) and Improvisation of Science Equipment, ensuring that teachers remain active contributors to the advancement of STEM education.

Why This Matters Globally

While the congress is held in the Philippines, its impact resonates far beyond. For U.S.-based readers, the event demonstrates how grassroots initiatives can inspire national movements in STEM education. It shows that investing in young learners and supporting educators can create ripple effects that benefit entire communities.

The congress also reflects a broader global trend: the recognition that science education must go beyond textbooks. Hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and creative competitions are essential for preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The Role of Educators and Advisers

Science club advisers play a crucial role in guiding students through these activities. Their mentorship ensures that learners not only gain knowledge but also develop confidence, leadership skills, and a passion for discovery.

By providing continuous professional development, the congress empowers advisers to become catalysts of change in their schools and communities. This mirrors the emphasis in U.S. education on teacher training and leadership development as key drivers of student success.

Participation Guidelines

The advisory emphasizes that participation is voluntary and must not interfere with instructional time, in compliance with DepEd policies. This ensures that the congress complements, rather than disrupts, formal education.

Importantly, the event is not subject to the no-collection policy under Republic Act No. 5546, allowing organizers to sustain the program through responsible resource management.

Building a Future Through Science

The National Children’s Science Congress 2026 is more than just an event—it is a movement that celebrates curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. By engaging students, empowering educators, and promoting STEM education, it contributes to building a future that is resilient, comfortable, and secure.

For U.S.-based readers, the congress serves as a reminder that science education is a universal priority. Whether in Manila, New York, or Los Angeles, the message is clear: investing in young minds today ensures a brighter, more innovative tomorrow.

Guide to DepEd’s Interim Assessment and Grading System for SHS

If you’re a Filipino parent, teacher, or Grade 11 student gearing up for School Year 2025–2026, you’ve probably heard about the Strengthened Senior High School (SHS) Curriculum. Recently, the Department of Education (DepEd) released Memorandum No. 074, s. 2025, introducing interim guidelines for assessment and grading during this pilot run.

But what does that really mean for you?

• Will grading be tougher?

• How will Work Immersion be evaluated?

• What happens if a student struggles in certain subjects?

This guide breaks down the essentials in plain language so you can confidently navigate the changes ahead.

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Why the Change in Grading Matters

The SHS program is evolving to make sure Filipino learners graduate with stronger academic foundations and real-world skills. Unlike the old system that grouped subjects into Core, Applied, and Specialized, the new Strengthened SHS Curriculum introduces three streamlined categories:

• Core Subjects (foundation learning like math, science, communication)

• Academic Electives (specialized academic pathways)

• Technical Professional (TechPro) Electives (skills and career readiness)

To match these changes, assessment and grading had to be updated—ensuring that grades now better reflect both academic mastery and employable skills.

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Key Highlights of the New Grading Guidelines

1. Grading Components Stay Familiar—but with Tweaks

DepEd is keeping the classic Written Works, Performance Tasks, and Quarterly Assessment system, but with important adjustments:

• Core & Academic Electives: Written Works (25%), Performance Tasks (50%), Quarterly Assessment (25%)

• TechPro Electives: More emphasis on practical tasks—Performance Tasks weigh up to 60%–65%

• Work Immersion: No quarterly exams. Grading focuses on Written Works (20%) and Performance Tasks (80%) like resumes, mock interviews, workplace journals, and supervisor evaluations

👉 This means less focus on exams and more on applied learning, especially in hands-on and career-oriented tracks.

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2. Communication Subjects Are Combined but Graded Separately

“Effective Communication” (English) and “Mabisang Komunikasyon” (Filipino) are packaged together as one subject but taught separately.

• Students will attend two English sessions and two Filipino sessions per week

• Grades for English and Filipino are reported individually but averaged for the final combined subject grade

👉 This ensures both languages are valued equally while still giving clear insights into each student’s strengths.

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3. Work Immersion Gets a Major Upgrade

For many SHS learners, Work Immersion is the most exciting (and nerve-wracking) part of the curriculum. Under the new guidelines:

• Pre-Immersion Activities: Resume writing, workplace readiness quizzes, and role-playing

• During Immersion: Supervisor evaluations, punctuality tracking, actual work accomplishments

• Post-Immersion: Portfolios, reflection papers, and a culminating presentation

👉 The focus is now on real-world skills like teamwork, communication, and professionalism—better preparing students for future jobs or higher education.

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4. Clear Promotion and Retention Rules

At the end of the school year, here’s what determines if a student moves up:

• Passed all subjects (≥75%) → Promoted to Grade 12

• Failed 1–2 subjects → Remediation required

• Failed 3+ subjects OR failed remediation → Retained in the same grade level

👉 This provides a fair balance between maintaining standards and offering support for struggling learners.

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How Teachers and Parents Can Support Students

For Teachers

• Give timely, constructive feedback—not just grades

• Use integrative performance tasks (like project-based learning)

• Offer remediation right away for students who fall behind

For Parents

• Help teens build good study habits and time management

• Support them in preparing resumes, reflection papers, and workplace skills for Work Immersion

• Encourage open communication about academic struggles

For Students

• Take performance tasks seriously—they now carry more weight than ever

• Stay on top of Work Immersion requirements from day one

• Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback or attend remediation sessions

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Why This Matters for the Future of Filipino Students

The new grading system isn’t just about numbers on a report card. It’s designed to:

• Build holistic skills (academic + practical)

• Ensure students graduate with employable competencies

• Promote a culture of continuous feedback and growth rather than one-time exams

In short, it prepares learners not just to pass but to thrive beyond high school.

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Conclusion: Preparing Together for SY 2025–2026

The DepEd Interim Guidelines on Assessment and Grading may feel like a big shift, but they’re meant to make learning more relevant, practical, and future-ready.

For teachers, it’s a call to innovate assessment.
For parents, it’s a reminder to support both academics and workplace readiness.
For students, it’s a chance to shine through performance, not just exams.

💡 Your next step: Start reviewing the grading components for your track, prepare early for Work Immersion, and embrace the opportunities this pilot curriculum brings.