Monday, November 26, 2007 Equation for excellence By Karl A.E.F. Cabilao
IT is not often that one can find individuals who are deeply rooted in their cause and passion.
To them, certain beliefs are worth fighting for without the use of violence, of course. Dr. Catherine “Cathy” Vistro-Yu, a mathematics professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, surely belongs to this admirable group.
Because her dedication in her chosen field, she was chosen as one of the recipients of the Ten Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service this year. The award is given every three years to Filipinas “who have shown exceptional talent and devotion to their careers.” With the award, she joins broadcast journalists and past awardees Ces Drilon and Mel Tiangco, bowler Bong Coo and crime fighter Teresita Ang-See, among others.
“Math is an essential tool in nation building,” says Dr. Vistro-Yu, who came to Cebu recently for the International Conference in Mathematics Education held at the Cafa Building of the University of San Carlos.
“I truly believe that a high level of mathematics achievement indicates a highly educated nation. Mathematical literacy is a necessity in today’s world.
However, mathematics cannot help us in nation-building unless it is rooted in the Filipino culture, the Filipino’s way of life,” she said. For instance, she cites the possible role of geometry in providing solutions for the city’s problems, like traffic and chaotic urban planning; and algebra’s role in extracting efficiency in manpower.
The sorry state of math education in the country was one of her driving forces to push for improvements.
“We are very much behind our Asian neighbors,” she said. “Our students lack a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, and seem to learn only the very low level skills. But there are pockets of hope in a number of schools.
The problem also lies in our teachers.”
She admits there are countless issues that need to be remedied, like the lack of excellent institutions for future math teachers, search for the best way to teach math to students, and even migration. “To many Filipinos, mathematics is just one subject to hurdle in school when it is, in fact, one of the most foundational knowledge we need in order to move forward as a nation in today’s world,” Dr. Vistro-Yu shared.
This award serves as an added inspiration. And there’s no way this lady will rest on her laurels. She’s determined to solve more than just numeric problems.
“With the Towns award, I am hoping that people will listen to my ideas and support the activities that I am engaged in. I am hoping to raise people’s awareness about the problems that hamper our progress in mathematics education and mathematics teacher education; and to invite them to seriously think of solutions to these problems. I look forward to begin working seriously with concerned groups for more permanent solutions to our problems,” she says. (Special thanks to Rhett Anthony Latonio for helping make this interview possible. Photos by Mandy Navasero.)
