Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), an attached agency under the Office of the President, formally opened its Space Technology Applications Exhibit with a mobile planetarium today (May 16) housed at the Tarlac State University Gymnasium.
TSU is the first educational institution in the country to host this kind of exhibit from PhilSA that will run until May 18, 2023.
Grades 9 and 10 students from Sto. Cristo Integrated School, Capas National High School, and Tarlac Montessori School and selected engineering students of TSU attended the exhibit's opening program graced by officials from PhilSA, the Department of Science and Technology, and TSU.
The exhibit, aimed to bring students closer to space, features replicas of the Philippine microsatellites, space technology applications, and other satellites and models.
Among the replicas in the exhibit is the Diwata-1 built by Filipino scientists and engineers from the University of the Philippines Diliman in collaboration with the Tohoku University and Hokkaido University in Japan with the help of DOST.
“Sa mga nakikita niyo ngayon, kami ay tuwang-tuwa dahil nung ni-launch ang Diwata a few years back, about a decade ago, talagang palakpakan. Naiiyak kami nung ni-launch ang Diwata satellite sa space, naiiyak kaming taga DOST dahil sa wakas nakapunta ang Pilipinas sa space,” DOST III Regional Director Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat said in his speech.
Moreover, PhilSA Director General Joseph Joel Marciano Jr. highlighted the importance of satellites in the country, especially in environment and climate awareness.
“Dahil tayo ay isang archipelago, napapaligiran tayo ng tubig, napakaimportante na meron tayong view from that vantage point. Namo-monitor natin ang environment para malaman natin ang climate change at reresponde tayo at makapaghanda tayo sa mga calamities," he said.
According to Ms. Jasmine Albelda, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Science Education for the Space Academy, they want to create awareness that their office exists through more programs that will reach the students.
Claire Chiu, 16, a grade 10 TMS student, shared that the PhilSA exhibit is her first science-related field trip.
“Natutunan ko po 'yung mga different constellations pati kung paano po nabubuo yung mga black holes. Nakita ko rin po kung paano po nagpa-progress 'yung mga stars sa solar system natin, different types of application of technology, at different works ng PAGASA. Nakaka-excite pong tingnan to think ito po 'yung nasa outer space at gawa po ito ng mga Pilipino," Chiu said in an interview with the Office of Public Affairs.
In addition, Chiu said she wishes that students who are not enrolled in the Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) programs could also experience the said exhibit.
Echoing Chiu's statement, SCIS STE adviser Mr. Renzy Bruno also hopes that more teachers and students can get firsthand experience in this exhibit to enhance students' learning since it is free and available in the province.
“Sana mas marami pang ganito kasi 'yung mga students natin hindi sila nakaranas ng ganito dala ng pandemic for two years, and most of them are fascinated sa mga nakikita nilang equipment na hindi talaga nila nakikita kahit sa school,” he said.
Meanwhile, TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco thanked the organizers for staging the exhibit at TSU.
“This exhibit is a testament to the fondness of human imagination and our melting thirst for knowledge and innovation. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed to the realization of this exhibit, especially [to] the dedicated team and passionate employees whose unwavering support made this day a reality,” he said.
The exhibit at TSU is also open to walk-in students who can win PhilSA merchandise in a raffle draw.
Aside from TSU, PhilSA also visited Capas National High School yesterday (May 15) for a school tour and exhibit. They will also visit Tarlac National High School, Maliwalo National High School, and O'Donnell High School in Capas town on May 16-18.
The week-long PhilSA activity in Tarlac will conclude with a TALA Hybrid Rocket launch between May 19 and 21 in Crow Valley in Capas town.
The PhilSA is the central government agency addressing all national issues and activities related to space S&T applications. The agency was created through Republic Act No. 11363 or the Philippine Space Act. (jlmm/OPA)
