Matt Pierre M.

Seva
1G-PH

Mathematics was a "lifesaver" for me as a high school student since it consistently gave
me the highest marks out of all my major subjects. It has always helped me balance my grades
and avoid becoming probationary. But, as I reflect, I realize that I only enjoy mathematics
because of the satisfactory grade that I obtain. I don't truly understand it conceptually. Even
though I can solve and use the correct formulas and techniques for a solution, I cannot see the
essence of it in our world. That changed when I met a senior high school classmate who had this
kind of connection in mathematics in the sense that he can give a range of answers to a problem
based on his observation and intuition. Furthermore, he has a distinct approach to problem-
solving like using geometry as means of representing a specific formula in quadratic equations,
which is unique to formula-dependent me. Since then, it has fascinated me how mathematics is
more than just formulas and numbers but is an actual depiction of a certain thing in life.

Because of this experience, I believe the Philippines ranks last in international assessments
because the country's mathematics education does not teach us the essence of the topic in our
early years. As a result, our fundamental understanding of it is lower compared to other
countries. Singapore has made significant investments in mathematics education, and students
learn in several ways. Singapore math, rather than mechanical memorizing of formulas, teach
pupils how to think mathematically so that they may rely on theory and build on concepts.
Rather than simply arriving at a solution, they use images to assist pupils to understand the
mathematical equation and learn how it works. Additionally, inadequate funding for education
contributed to this result. As stated in inquirer.net article by Galvez (2022), the P13.9 billion
funds for school buildings and the P2.5 billion for housing and community are dwarfed by the
infrastructure budget for road networks, railways, and right-of-way projects at P28.6 billion. This
prompted party-list lawmakers to wonder why extra funding wasn't allocated for schools and
other social services.
Overall, mathematics is a powerful tool in our world, and it is all around us. In the
business world, where they learn how to use mathematical patterns to evaluate graphs and charts
for stocks and financial investments. In scientific studies, particularly in the field of physics,
where mathematics is used in formulas for the representation of a specific component.
Mathematics is essential in many industries. That is why learning how to recognize it, not just
memorizing it, is I think one of the most crucial skills to develop particularly in this age of
constant changes and innovation.

Reference:
Galvez, D. (2022, August 27). DBM: Not enough funds to address classroom shortage in 2023

budget | Inquirer News. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1653841/dbm-not-

enough-funds-to-address-classroom-shortage-in-2023-budget