The Provincial Government of Pampanga and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region III joined forces to further enhance science awareness by facilitating interactive exhibits.

To formalize this, Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with DOST-3 Dir. Julius Caesar Sicat, in the presence of Provincial S&T Office (PSTO) Pampanga Dir. Mary Michelle Quiambao and PDRRMO Chief and Special Assistant to the Governor Angelina Blanco, at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall on Monday, June 3.

As stipulated in the agreement, the provincial government will annually host the 30-day DOST-3 Mobile Science Centrum featuring twenty-two (22) interactive science exhibits in Pampanga. These exhibits are designed to make science more accessible and engaging, encouraging young minds to explore and appreciate various scientific concepts.

According to Quiambao, the said program is set to launch in the province in October this year.

“Dati, dumadayo pa ang mga estudyante sa Manila to experience these kinds of exhibits. Ngayon, hindi na nila kailangang lumayo, dahil ang mismong science centrum na ang lumapit sa atin dito sa Pampanga,” said Quiambao.

During the signing ceremony, Dir. Sicat expressed gratitude to Gov. Delta for his support of the program, which will tour around Central Luzon with the fund given by Sen. Joel Villanueva.

“To date, we only have 270 research scientists and engineers in the Philippines compared to other countries that have thousands in numbers. Kailangan natin ito sa industriya para mas mapalago ang pangangalakal, lalo na rito sa Pampanga dahil malaki ang role nito in pushing socioeconomic development,” said Sicat.

Gov. Delta reiterated his commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the program, stressing the importance of equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly science-driven world. —Jasmine Jaso/GO