Davao City planetarium in the works after MisOr

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- After the groundbreaking of Mindanao's first planetarium in Misamis Oriental, a similar facility will also be built in Davao City.

This was according to Vicente Malano, administrator of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), who led the March 15 groundbreaking for the PHP35-million planetarium in El Salvador City.

“It will be a theater and a classroom with an immersive experience,” Malano said on Tuesday, referring to the planetarium in Misamis Oriental.

Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano expressed his gratitude to PAGASA -- an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) -- for choosing the province as the site of Mindanao's first planetarium.

Emano expressed confidence that the planetarium will not only spark curiosity among the young people but also Mindanaoans of all ages.

“For just PHP25, people will experience all the features of a modern planetarium. And that’s a big boost to the economy of El Salvador City and Misamis Oriental,” Emano said.

The planetarium will feature a large dome-shaped projection screen that visualizes constellations, planets, and other celestial objects that will appear in three-dimensional perspectives.

Malano hopes the planetarium would spark interests among young people to pursue science-related degrees.

“Unti-unti nang bumabalik ang interest ng ating mga kababayan sa science (the public's interest in science is gaining back slowly). STEM enrollment is on the rise at ang (and this) planetarium na ‘to ay isang (will become a) tool para ang bansa natin will (for our country, and will) shine in terms of producing individuals who shine in scientific excellence,” he said. (PNA)