02 December 2022

After two years of waiting, the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) finally launched and inaugurated the 21st Century Learning Environment Model (21st CLEM) in the three school-adopters in the Division of Calamba City, Laguna last 12th of November 2022.

The three school-adopters of the model, namely, the Calamba City Science Integrated School, Camp Vicente Lim Integrated School, and Looc Integrated School, displayed the various technology-driven features of their classrooms such as the 3D printer, robotics, interactive projector-smartboard, drone, and visualizer.

Students from 21st CLEM school-adopter Camp Vicente Lim Integrated School demonstrated the interactive projector-smartboard (upper left), 3D printer (upper right) and robotics and sensors (lower photos) to DepEd supervisors and parents.

The trapezoid tables made the classrooms more unique and special with their flexibility to be rearranged into individual, pair, or group setups while also demonstrating modern furniture like the mobile laptop caddy and maker space. These added features and elements in the classrooms could make the learning atmosphere more exciting and more adaptable in the honing of the students’ 21st century skills such as critical-thinking, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and creativity.

Vice Mayor Lazaro enjoyed watching the robot dance in Calamba Science Integrated School (right) while students from Looc City Integrated School prepared for the launch (left).

The SEI-produced educational technology, the DOST Courseware, and other immersive technologies like virtual and augmented realities were also demonstrated to the guests.

Calamba City Vice Mayor Angelito Lazaro tried the augmented reality (left), DOST Courseware (middle) and virtual reality (right) as assisted by the students from 21st CLEM school-adopter Looc Integrated School.

The LGU-funded 21st CLEM launching events were witnessed by public officials from the Local Government Unit (LGU) headed by Vice Mayor Angelito Lazaro Jr., the DepEd Division Office Officials, as well as the Education Program Specialists and representatives from the Office of Congresswoman Charisse Anne Hernandez of the Lone District of Calamba City. Parents and students from nearby schools also attended the events.

In his message, Vice Mayor Lazaro Jr. said “The 21st Century Classrooms in Calamba City is a good start if we aim to be a Smart City in the near future.” Meanwhile, DepEd Asst. SDS Jaypee Lopo reiterated the DREAM project that the education division is adopting, and part of its goal is to have more 21st CLEMs in the city.

During the launch, the proud school heads from the hometown of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, highlighted the latter’s achievements as a scientist and as a doctor. They also encouraged the students present in the events to emulate Dr. Rizal, make him a role model, and remember his visions and contributions in the country even in the 21st century.

The SEI-led project 21st CLEM started in 2017 and had since assisted school-adopters in setting up their own model. The classroom is strategically equipped with facilities designed for mobility and connectivity which aims to develop the learners’ 21st century skills. Most adopters are from region 4A-CALABARZON with five pilot schools in Lipa City, Batangas; one in Los Baños, Laguna; and the most recent three models in Calamba City, also in Laguna. Three models in Ilocos Norte located in Burgos and Bacarra were also established while other school-adopters were from regions 3, 5, 12 and NCR.