NIDO FORTIFIED and SM join hands in science learning advocacy

CEBU, Philippines - TWO of the Philippines’ biggest and most respected companies have recently teamed up to promote Science learning in the country.

Nestlé Philippines, Inc. (NPI)’s NIDO FORTIFIED and SM’s Science Discovery Center have joined forces to introduce the NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center at the SM Mall of Asia.

 “We have taken on this advocacy because there is an opportunity to improve science competency in our country,” says Joseph Eugene David, Nestlé Philippines, Inc. Business Executive Manager for Dairy, Health & Nutrition Solutions Business Unit. 

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Studies show that Filipino high school students’ skills and competencies in Math and Science rank 41st and 42nd from among 45 participating countries. The same holds true for Filipino elementary students’ Science and Math competencies, which rank at 23rd among 25 countries.

This may be the reason why the Philippines also has the lowest number of scientists and engineers engaged in research and development. Statistics indicate that there are only 108 scientists and engineers per 1 million people in the country, whereas Singapore has 4,613 per 1 million.

“Science is something that is very close to our hearts. It is through Science that Nestlé discovers and develops the products with which we fulfill our mission of improving the quality of life. By nurturing a child’s passion to learn Science at an early age through exploration and interaction, we hope to inspire more Filipino children to fall in love with Science,” David said.

SM Megatrade Hall and SMX Convention Center Senior Assistant Vice President for operations Dexter Deyto welcomed the partnership, saying that the NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center would indeed be a perfect venue for children to learn and enjoy Science.

“We have several walk-through galleries where children can explore Science. It is a safe and stimulating environment wherein mothers can likewise spend time with their kids while they learn about the world around them,” Deyto said.

The NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center is a 3,000-sqm facility that consists of nine walk-through galleries where children can learn Science hands-on—from Natural Science to Space Science.

“Improving the Science competency of our students is just one of the ways we can help our country move forward. And we can start nurturing their love for Science here at the NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center,” David concluded.