PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan — Some 50 youngsters in this city with high aptitudes for science were given the tools they need to pursue careers in robotics, thanks to the efforts of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) and several technology companies.

The Grade 7 to 11 students of the Puerto Princesa City National Science High School (PPCNSHS) began their journey to higher learning through the Invent School Program on Monday.

Jane Favila, a PPCNSHS science teacher and program focal person, said the first day of the Invent School Program would see its participants being schooled on various research methods.

The youths will be given hands-on experiences in using state-of-the-art equipment recently donated to the school by Vivant Corp., a Cebu-based holding company that is heavily invested in technology.

"What we are really trying to develop is their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. We are fortunate that we received sophisticated equipment from the private sector. These are expensive equipment, and we cannot afford to acquire them," Favila said.

Favila said the PPCNSHS faculty members also need to get acquainted with their new scientific tools and have been undergoing familiarization sessions.

She added that other tech companies, such as e-Robotica and education company Felta, have also contributed to advancing the school's robotics program.

The Invent School Program was spearheaded by the DoST's Technology Application and Promotion Institute-Palawan through the Provincial Science and Technology Office. It aims to teach the process of invention in a fun way through games and workshops.