SCIENCE BEYOND CLASSROOM: SCI-FUN CARAVAN VISITS ORIENTAL MINDORO
By: Djonna Gay Abufera, PSTC-Oriental Mindoro
Jesse M. Pine, PSTC-Oriental Mindoro
Ma. Josefina P. Abilay, DOST-MIMAROPA Regional Office
Elementary students trying the “Finger Tingler” for the first time at the Sci-fun Caravan in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Eleven years since its last visit, Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology’s (PFST) Sci-fun Caravan once again made its stop in Oriental Mindoro to give students, teachers, and parents all over the province a more enriching, fun, and unique science learning experience.
The Department of Science and Technology-MIMAROPA (DOST-MIMAROPA) through its Provincial Science and Technology Center in Oriental Mindoro (PSTC-Oriental Mindoro) in partnership with the Rotary Club of Downtown Calapan (RCDC), Department of Education- Division of Calapan City and Oriental Mindoro, and PFST brought the caravan in Brgy. Camilmil Gymnasium in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro from September 12 to October 26, 2017. A total of 42 interactive exhibits was enjoyed by more than 17,000 attendees from different municipalities in the province.
 PSTD Jesse M. Pine receiving the scientific token from Engr. Ray Goco of PFST |
The aim of the partnership is to bring Sci-fun Caravan to Oriental Mindoro to attract attention to more effective learning practices and promote science literacy and awareness to the local youth. Also, the said activity is in support to RCDC’s advocacy which is to promote and enhance the quality of education in the province. |
Sci-fun caravan started with an opening ceremony attended by Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali Jr., Calapan City Mayor Arnan Panaligan, PFST Executive Director May Pagsinohin and representatives, Ms. Noida Castro and Heide Padua from DepEd, and members of the RCDC headed by its Great President Mr. Guillermo Allegre and President-elect Pastor Stevhen Saap.
| Governor Umali and Mayor Panaligan both supported the initiative of PFST and its partner agencies in advocating S&T consciousness and literacy among the youth and other sectors of the society. Mayor Panaligan stressed out the importance of inculcating S&T culture among the youth. As he said, “They should learn to love and appreciate science and technology since S&T will bring development to the country”. |  Sci-Fun Caravan Opening Ceremonies last September 12, 2017, attended by Gov. Umali, Mayor Panaligan, PFST, RCDC and DepEd Calapan City and Oriental Mindoro Divisions |
According to PFST Executive Director May M. Pagsinohin, not all learning comes inside the classroom. The Sci-Fun caravan is one of the avenues for alternative but easier learning in basic science concepts and processes. The caravan is an ideal venue for educational activities which is aligned to the DepEd’s K-12 learning competencies on Earth Science, General Science and Physics. PFST even provided a free entrance during the opening day for Camilmil Daycare Center students as a treat to the host barangay.
 Camilmil day care student on Van de Graeff Generator |
The traveling exhibit’s primary aim is to reach communities that cannot visit the PSC’s permanent exhibits in its Science Center in Metro Manila due to distance and cost constraints. Students and visitors of the interactive exhibits were allowed self-discovery by manipulation and interaction.
On the other hand, PFST President Engr. Filemon T. Berba Jr. on his message during the opening ceremonies delivered by Engr. Renato T Goco emphasized the role of science to country’s development. |
He said, “We all know that the world is now in knowledge-based environment. Science and technology is a platform that had made progressive countries succeed and minimize, if not eradicate poverty.”
Also, 150 Mangyan students from Baco National High School through Mangyan Kalakbay Mission; Tugdaan Mangyan Center for Learning Development in Naujan; and Talipanan Mangyan School in Puerto Galera was invited for a free visit to the caravan. With PFST’s program “A+ Science Beyond Classroom Project Year 3”, the transportation expenses and food has been provided to the Mangyan students and their teachers- a proof that indeed Science is for the People.
The Sci-fun Caravan is set to visit Occidental Mindoro in the following months
Mangyan students while listening to PFST’s orientation