Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña lauded the revitalization and improvement of the Bicol Science and Technology Centrum (BSTC) as he led the walk-through and inspection of the various interactive galleries and exhibits inside the science museum on Wednesday, May 19, here.
BSTC was part of De la Peña’s itinerary during his 4-day visit to the Bicol Region.
The secretary expressed his admiration for the various improvements that he witnessed, citing BSTC located inside the Naga City hall compound at J. Miranda Avenue as one of the best innovations that showcase science and technology’s novelty.
“Sa totoo lang po, mula kahapon hanggang ngayon ay napakarami kong breakthroughs na nasaksihan, from Legazpi to Naga. Kahapon ay ini-naugurate namin ang bagong-bagong building ng PAG-ASA sa Legazpi, tapos nag groundbreaking kami doon sa isang tinatawag namin na Science for Change Center na syang nangangasiwa doon sa iba’t-ibang component ng aming Science for Change Program, and now witnessing the revitalized Bicol Science and Technology Centrum here in Naga City,” the secretary said.
Mayor Nelson Legacion also expressed optimism that BSTC will soon be opening its doors to the public after the COVID-19 threat has waned over time, and the people started to learn to adapt to the lifestyle of the new normal.
“We are on track to opening soon the BSTC to the public, barring any complications in our COVID 19 situations. We hope that despite the detection of the new variant, the city’s alert level one status will be sustained. In the present pandemic, information on science and technology is more crucial than ever,” Legacion stated.
He added that the revitalized BSTC will be instrumental in catching the interest of the people and in learning more about science and technology. He cited that the city’s vibrant collaboration with DOST is the key to the success of BSTC as a science museum.
DOST Camarines Sur Provincial Director Patrocinio N. Felizmenio expressed her gratitude to De la Peña as his visit at BSTC will be his last event in Bicol as DOST Secretary. She said that for the last six years, de la Peña’s passion for strengthening the scientific community in the country through their programs has impacted the lives of many people.
“With the revitalization of the BSTC, DOST V with our partner agencies, hopes that with its re-opening, we can strengthen the youth’s appreciation of science, technology, and innovation. What we have in the “revitalized” BSTC is novel as our exhibits and galleries adapt to the modern world,” Felizmenio said.
BSTC as a pilot project in 1995
BSTC was created as a pilot project on June 15, 1995, when Science centrum was established outside Manila. Twenty-six (26) years after, it has extended its services from galleries to stargazing sa Barangay programs and film showings, among others.
BSTC, with an area of 693 square meters, has an average annual visitor numbering to 53,000 with the highest recorded monthly income of P227,000.00. In its 23 years of operation, it registered a total of 1.1 million visitors and generated an income of P6.8M in its 23 year-span of operations.
The revitalization project is meant to fix the decades-old exhibits which were already torn up, worn out and some were even broken beyond repair. The exhibits also needed to be updated to continually attract visitors. (Ana-Liza S. Macatangay)
(Source: PIA 5 – Camarines Sur)