By Nimfa Estrellado Quezon Gov. Angelina "Helen" Tan, along with other key officials, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark...
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| Quezon Gov. Angelina "Helen" Tan, along with other key officials, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the Mini Science Centrum on April 5, 2024, in Quezon, Quezon. (Photo from Provincial Government of Quezon) |
QUEZON, Quezon - A new Mini Science Centrum officially opened its doors on April 5, 2024 at Cesar C. Tan Memorial National High School on Alquerez Island, providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore the world of science.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) CALABARZON, the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology (PFST), the Department of Education (DepEd) in Calabarzon, the Provincial Government of Quezon, and the Local Government of Quezon, Quezon
The center is part of DOST's Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program and the "Establishment of Mini Science Centrum for Selected Island Municipalities in Quezon Province" project. It features interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and foster deeper understanding of scientific principles.
"Quality Science and Technology Education should be within reach even in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas; Science and Technology is inclusive and not exclusive; and Science and Technology is not only for the intelligent," said the secretary.
Solidum hopes that the said science center will be a foundational stepping-stone for young people to be inspired and motivated to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Local officials, including Governor Doctor Helen Tan, 4th District Congressman Attorney Mike Tan, and Quezon Mayor Juan Escolano, expressed their gratitude for the new resource. The center builds upon the success of the first Mini Science Centrum opened in Polillo town last year.
TeaM Energy Corporation further enhanced the facility by donating computer sets converted into Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosks (STARBOOKS), offering students a wealth of scientific information.
DOST-Quezon Drives Regional Innovation
Building on the momentum of the new Mini Science Centrum, the Department of Science and Technology-Quezon (DOST-Quezon) recently conducted a two-day "Regional Stakeholder Analysis" workshop. This workshop is part of the Innovation, Science, and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-Based Development (iSTART) Program and aims to identify key areas to drive innovation and economic growth in the region.
Led by Provincial Director Maria Esperanza Jawili partnering with DOST-Quezon were Sydney Mae Tadiosa, Science Research Specialist, the Office of the Provincial Government of Quezon, representatives from Lucena City's Local Government Unit, Southern Luzon State University, and the UPLB Department of Community and Environmental Resource Planning (DCERP).
The workshop aimed to gather insights into Quezon's Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) landscape, identify key stakeholder concerns, and enhance understanding of the region's innovation ecosystem. Participants engaged in needs assessment, analysis of current STI initiatives, and data gathering for Innovation Ecosystem Mapping.
“This workshop is crucial in identifying the strengths and opportunities within Quezon’s innovation landscape,” said Director Jawili. “By collaborating with key stakeholders, we can develop targeted strategies to support technology-driven solutions and bolster economic growth in the region.”
To further refine project plans and understand innovation dynamics, participants will complete Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Media Preferences Assessment of Stakeholders (KAP) and Social Network Analysis (SNA) surveys.
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