The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Calabarzon, through its Rizal Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO), has provided technology kits that are expected to boost learning among students of two high schools in Rizal province.

In an interview on Thursday, Rizal PSTO director Fernando Ablaza said the Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education and Research (VISSER) technology kits, also known as “Laboratory In a Box,” were delivered to the Tanay Senior High School in Tanay town on Tuesday, and San Jose National High School in Rodriguez on May 14.

Ablaza said the VISSER kit, which allows users to perform over 50 experiments, is intended to stimulate students’ curiosity and eventually encourage them to take up lucrative and nationally-beneficial careers in science and technology.

He said VISSER technology is the outcome of research and development (R&D) efforts by the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, funded by DOST.

An authorized private company is responsible for manufacturing VISSER, he disclosed.

“This technology significantly enhances students’ and instructors’ understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education by facilitating more interactive, effective, and efficient experiments through its electronic devices, sensors, and pre-designed laboratory modules,” Ablaza said.

He said this innovative “laboratory in a box” is designed to achieve four main objectives: enhanced learning, real-world applications, improved critical thinking, and the cultivation of future scientists.

“This innovative laboratory will bridge the gap between theory and practice in STEM education,” he added.

Ablaza said the technology costs DOST PHP80,000 per unit, initially provided to the two schools, with the possibility of adoption by the Department of Education in their budget. (PNA)