DOST official visits Bicol S&T Centrum

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang graced the “Walkthrough” of the refurbished Bicol Science and Technology Centrum (BSTC) in Naga City recently.

BSTC, which has been in existence for the past 26 years, recently undergone a major innovation after DOST Bicol, Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) and the Naga City government gave it a new life through the revitalization and improvement project.

Mabborang thanked the city government for the two decades of enduring partnership with the DOST to help promote the continuous innovation in technology and make it more attractive to the future generations.

BSTC is located inside the Naga City Hall compound. It was visited by almost 1.1 million visitors for the last decades. It has served as a favorite site for educational tours in the past years.

“For the past 26 years, we have been serving the Bicolano students, especially those who have an appreciation of science, technology and innovations. We revitalized the galleries and made them more interactive. We have up-to-date exhibits which will ignite the interest and passion of students,” DOST Camarines Sur Provincial Director Pat Felizmenio said.

Currently, BSTC has 5 existing galleries.

Dubbed “Marvels of Physics,” Gallery 1 exhibit demonstrates the advancements in technology made possible through electricity, magnetism and robotics, while Gallery 2 showcases the “Mysteries of the Universe Explained,” and allows visitors to view the planet’s place in the solar system and beyond, as mankind continues to explore the universe.

Entitled “What Lies Beneath: Uncovering Earth’s secrets,” Gallery 3 shows the reactions that occurred beneath the Earth’s surface which causes it to produce land structures which eventually became the habitat of every living creature; Gallery 4 or the “Underwater Wonderland: Beneficial yet threatened aquatic ecosystems showcases life in this planet will not be possible without the oceans while Gallery 5 takes a closer look on living creatures. It is called “Land Ecosystems Unfold: Covering Mother Nature.”

Felizmenio also announced that Camarines Sur is chosen as one of the four pilot areas for the implementation of the DOST Innovation Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-Based Development (iSTART) program, which aims to “support balanced development geographically by accelerating regional growth through science, technology and innovation.”

“Here in Camarines Sur, LGU Pasacao will serve as the pilot locale, where science, technology and innovation will be showcased though the shared commitment of DOST V, in partnership with LGU Camarines Sur, Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC), Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), Partido State University (PSU), and the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC),” Felizemenio said.

Other chosen areas in the county include Pangasinan, Leyte and Agusan Del Sur. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)