Pasig City (2 March) --A total of 57 Special Science Elementary Schools were given financial assistance by the Department of Education to support activities that will help develop among students the love for science and for them to make a professional career out of it.

The strengthened SSES Project has been allocated P26.5M as financial assistance to the project's existing 57 pilot schools and their respective region and division offices.

The 57 schools piloted in 16 regions will be allocated some P418,421 each. The regions will be allotted P82,812 for the upgrading of SSES classes, the provision of the technical assistance, and the final screening of new students to be conducted by the Regional Assessment Team.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus noted that only 44 percent of high school graduates pursue science and engineering-related courses.

"This is the situation that we urgently want to improve by offering a more challenging curriculum in science and mathematics in basic education that students can regard as a career path," he said.

Meanwhile, P24,090 will be allotted to the divisions of the pilot schools for the monitoring, technical assistance and evaluation of the project.

SSES project provides opportunities for the elementary pupils to develop understanding and skills necessary to function productively as problem solvers in a scientific and technological world.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo earlier stressed the importance of Science and Technology as means to put food on the table, to save lives and prevent calamities, to harness renewable and indigenous energy, to cure and prevent illnesses, and to create more high-quality jobs.

Meanwhile, the amount granted for each school will be used for the training and professional upgrading of teachers and school heads; purchase of instructional materials; pupil development activities such as conduct of investigatory project development, leadership, training, educational visits and student participation in Science related activities.

Lapus affirmed, "A strong science and technology- based education is the foundation of a progressive society and we have to set our eyes towards that goal,"

In SY 2007-2008, the project was formally launched as a national pilot project engaging 57 schools in 57 school divisions in 16 regions of the country.

The program started in the pilot schools at Grades 1 and 2 having enriched curriculum. In 2008, SSES Project has finalized SSES Curriculum up to Grade 3-6 already. "Teachers and school administrators were actively oriented on SSES implementation," she added.

SSES offer longer hours in Science while still maintaining the same subjects like ordinary elementary schools.