THE ILOCOS Norte Science Community (INSC) opened Jan. 22 a mobile interactive science exhibit located at the basement of Teatro Ilcoandia.  Produced by The Learning SpaceTM based in Pasay City, the exhibit will run until Feb. 24.

During the opening program, MMSU President and INSC Governing Board Chair Miriam E. Pascua commended member-agencies of the science community for coordinating the exhibit saying that this helps motivate students to pursue careers in the sciences.  She said that science has become part of people’s lives and that it helps individuals make sound judgment, think rationally, have critical outlook at happenings, and possess intellectual honesty.

On the other hand, Dr. Ligaya B. Diculen, INSC director, said that INSC’s mission is to help disseminate scientific information and develop S&T in the Ilocos.  Bringing one of the best sets of science gadgets in Ilocos, she said, is one way of helping Ilocanos, especially pupils and students, learn science concepts and enjoy science at minimal cost.

She added that conducting scientific activities such as the exhibit influence pupils’ and students’ choice of career in the future. “Through this little way, we at the INSC, hope to kindle their interest to take science-related courses in college,” she said.  She encouraged everyone to work “hand-in hand in the pursuit of scientific activities so that we are one into the development of S&T and make Ilocos a prime place of scientific literacy and technology advancement.”

Dr. Rogelio D. Galat of the Department of Education’s Division of Ilocos Sur also attended the opening program to pledge his support to INSC’s endeavor.  He said that his division sent 15,000 of their pupils in 2005 to view then a similar activity of the organization.  “We will be sending more this time and we look forward to more endeavors like this,” he said.  DepEd Laoag City’s Education Supervisor for Science Adeline E. Marcos, likewise, pledged the same support saying their attendance to the opening program is already a manifestation of this.  She said they have already forwarded to the INSC directorate schedule of visits by their pupils and teachers. Representatives from DepEd’s divisions of Ilocos Norte, Vigan City, and Candon City were also present during the affair.

According to Bong Portales, exhibits coordinator, their main thrust is to show students that anyone can be a scientist and that scientific discovery can be fun and exciting.  Chosen for their impact, the items in the exhibit, he said, aim to show real phenomena and allow for real experiences in an enjoyable, unstructured, and highly social setting.   They also provide teaching props and models which students are unlikely to encounter elsewhere.

The Learning SpaceTM is the educational materials and exhibits service of the Metamedia Information Systems.  It aims to help educators teach using innovative products and services.  Their designers have been involved in several interactive science centers in the Philippines such as  The Philippine Science Centrum and Museo Pambata.

A minimal fee of P45 is charged per upon entrance to the exhibit.