Mindanao’s first planetarium has broken ground to present an immersive experience in a science theater and classroom in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental.
The new Planetarium which will be added to the existing Planetariums in the Philippines, will be built with a state-of-the-art full dome projector, featuring a 3D view of stars, planets, and other celestial objects. The Misamis Oriental Planetarium is expected to be completed late 2019.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) project is pegged to cost P35 million, lower than the original estimate of P50 million.
DOST Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr. and Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano, together with PAG-ASA’s Vicente Malano and DOST-10 director Alfonso Alamban, led the ground breaking and capsule laying on March 15 in Molugan, El Salvador City.
Malano said in a PNA report that the Planetarium entrance fee of 25 pesos is worth the experience for people of all ages, will boost local tourism, and will spark interest in students to go into science studies.
“Unti-unti nang bumabalik ang interest ng ating mga kababayan sa science (the public’s interest in science is gaining back slowly). STEM enrollment is on the rise at ang (and this) planetarium na ‘to ay isang (will become a) tool para ang bansa natin will (for our country, and will) shine in terms of producing individuals who shine in scientific excellence,” Malano said.
Tell us in the comment section below what you think of a new Planetarium rising in Mindanao!
With reports by Marclee Agustin
Like, Follow, Subscribe to GoodNewsPilipinas.com Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Good News Pilipinas! TV on YouTube, new story notifications and e-mail newsletters for updates on more Filipino Pride stories.
