New science museum brings discovery fun, closer to Zamboanga students

From the DOST public archive. Original source publication date: 2026-08-17. Captured 2026-09-04. Read the original DOST source.

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The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched its newest science centrum in Dipolog City, immersing students of the Zamboanga Peninsula in scientific knowledge and concepts through its various exhibits last Aug. 12, 2026. 

The Dipolog City Science Centrum, situated in Miputak East Central School, is a learning hub for the elementary and high school learners of the region, offering first-hand experience of concepts beyond the laboratory.

“Ipinapakita [ng centrum na ito] sa mga kabataan na hindi abstract ang science at ganito pala ‘yung concept in real life. Tangible ang science na makikita ng mga tao,” DOST-Zamboanga del Norte Director Nuhman M. Aljani said in an interview.

Offering 15 various interactive displays and hands-on exhibits, the Science Centrum is set to bridge scientific principles, including concepts from physics and earth science.

This includes a pedal-powered generator, finger-tingler and Van de Graaff generator to simulate static, plasma sphere, cyclone simulator, Bernoulli blower, pendulum wave, and mirror installations, among others.

DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Director Teresito C. Bacolcol lends energy to the “Pedal-Powered Generator,” giving electricity to light up LED strips as he pedals.

“It (centrum) is really a big help in bridging science education to our students. […] I believe it will spark their curiosity and love for science,” Zyhrine P. Mayormita, the acting assistant schools division superintendent of Zamboanga del Norte, said.

Mayormita said that in her 20 years of teaching, she observed that students are not performing well in science as they do not establish “a connection of science in day-to-day living.”

“Just expose them to what science is—that it's not a difficult subject—and is actually part of our day-to-day life. ‘Yun ang goal namin,” she added.

Mayormita, alongside Dipolog City Schools Division Superintendent Ma. Liza R. Tabilon, proposed the establishment of the centrum in 2023, which was realized through the collaboration of the DOST, the Department of Education (DepEd) - Dipolog City Schools Division, and Dipolog City Government.

(L-R) Dipolog City Schools Division Superintendent Ma. Liza R. Tabilon and DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. pose for a photo as he receives a certificate of appreciation in recognition of the department's collaboration for the newly launched Science Centrum.

DOST assisted in funding the exhibits through its Grant-in-Aid (GIA) program, alongside Department of Education’s assistance for knowledge bridging and facilities, with the aid of the City Government on maintenance and human resources, including the science teachers delegated for the centrum.

With the addition of the Dipolog City Science Centrum, there are now 12 operating Science Centrums across the country.

About RSTW

The Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) is an annual event organized by the DOST regional offices across 17 regions. This celebration showcases local technologies, research and development (R&D) projects, and innovative initiatives that connect communities, local industries, and stakeholders with science-based solutions. These efforts promote inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development in the region. The RSTW is one of the major scientific events leading up to the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) celebration, which will be held in General Santos City in November.  For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph or the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) Facebook page. (By Karl Jerome M. del Mundo, DOST-STII and photos by Patrick James Lee C. Alfonso, DOST-STII)