A flicker of interest in science is all that it takes to spark a passion that turns citizens into scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, inventors, and innovators.
This was according to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña as the agency seeks to have a Science Centrum in each region of the country. The opening of a Science Centrum is one of the techniques DOST developed to communicate science to the public.
Recently, the DOST Secretary, together with Governor of Marinduque, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of Marinduque State College led the opening of the Marinduque Science Centrum to the public last April 18.
This Regional Science Centrum is the second of the first five Regional Science Centrum put up by DOST in the regions in partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs) and universities.
Eventually, the MIMAROPA Science Centrum will facilitate science learning of a wide range of science concepts using hands-on exhibits developed by the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology that are novel, stimulating, multisensory, and fun.
Aside from the interactive exhibits, the science centrum also has DOST’s Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Stations (STARBOOKS) an information kiosk where hundreds of thousands of digitized science and technology resources in various formats can be accessed and be used in assignments, research, or even businesses.
"This facility is among the many creative ways of DOST to engage people, both young and adults, to take interest and appreciate science, its impact, and implications in our lives and in the society," Dela Peña said.
"It is in these pursuits that passions are lit, and the future scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, inventors, and innovators are born. Continuing this path is a way to enhance our performance in science and technology and develop S&T human resources that will soon create S&T solutions to the country’s problems," he added.