Hoping to address the traffic woes as well as stir scientific and technological activity, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) together with the local government unit (LGU) of Taguig City, begins construction of the Taguig City Science Terminal and Exhibit Center.
DOST Secretary Fortunato T. dela Peña, along with Mayor-elect Laarni Cayetano and Senator-elect Alan Peter Cayetano led the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, June 9.
The property will be home to the five-story building where the first to third floor will serve as a terminal hub for public transportation and commuters while the fourth and fifth floors will serve as executive offices and the Science and Technology Exhibit Center, respectively.
"We are hopeful that the Science Exhibit Center will capture the interest and curiosity of the people, specifically the young ones, and inspire them to engage and pursue careers in S&T," Dela Peña said.
He added that the terminal will not only be beneficial to DOST employees and stakeholders but also to the general public as it will ease the traffic flow in Bicutan. He said that the collaboration is a testament to "basta't nagtutulungan, kayang-kaya".
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang praised the Taguig City LGU as it is his first time to encounter such a thing called a "science terminal" which according to him, will be a facility that's first of its kind.
"We at the DOST Regional Operations, are excited to showcase our STI initiatives through this science terminal. It is hoped that through this facility, we will be able to reach and serve more people - especially the people of Taguig City," he said.
DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. mentioned that he cannot contain his excitement to see the rising of a green building that will showcase the products of Research and Development, and facilitate the transfer of technologies through the various exhibits, technology fora and other S&T related activities.
"Starting with the people of Taguig City, we hope to spark more awareness on the relevance of Science, Technology and Innovation in people's lives," he added.
Senator-elect Cayetano is optimistic that the project will change the lives of the people within the vicinity of the area as well as Taguig city and the viewpoint of the public towards DOST through the exhibit.
Meanwhile, mayor-elect Cayetano expressed her commitment to continuously work with DOST officials and ensure that the project will function as it should.
"This will no doubt be a testament of our partnership and our willingness to serve the people of Taguig and the neighboring cities na makikinabang sa programang ito." she said.