DepEd urges students: Explore Philippines biggest science museum

MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the grand opening yesterday of MindSpark, the country’s largest science museum, describing it as a “playground for the mind,” and challenged students to turn curiosity into innovation that can change lives.

The 9,000-square-meter facility at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque features more than 100 interactive exhibits and 30 themed rooms designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Angara said investing in young minds is an investment in the future, and the nation needs a STEM education that sparks change and transforms lives.

“A curious mind is the seed of a promising tomorrow. Our children hold the key to solving the emerging challenges of the future – armed with creativity, resilience and the power of their innovative thinking,” he said.

Angara said MindSpark is for students who love to ask “why” and “how.”

He also encouraged teachers to make it a go-to venue for exposure trips, thanking the owners in advance if discounts would be offered to visiting teachers and students.

Angara underscored the potential of young minds as he cited the story of high school student Eisen Gabriel Francisco, whose team developed an eco-friendly solution to combat the coco-lisap pest in Basilan, helping not only farmers but also the country’s economy, all while still in high school.

“Imagine if we have more hands-on and high-tech experiences, we may not only solve coco-lisap, but traffic in EDSA,” Angara noted.

The museum’s attractions include a giant walkthrough human heart, a real-life hospital laboratory, massive anatomy displays, an insect life cycle in motion and interactive zones on bubble science, robotics, artificial intelligence, fire safety, engineering design and gemology.

“Volcano experiments? Rocket launches? AI-powered robotics? All of these are no longer impossible here in MindSpark,” Angara said.

He said supporting the next Filipino scientists should not be rocket science, noting that the youth need adequate support, the right opportunities and spaces like MindSpark to develop their creativity and skills.

Organized by the Philippine Amusement and Entertainment Corp., MindSpark aims to serve as an extension of the classroom, providing a stimulating environment for learners of all ages.

The facility is now open to the public, with programs and guided tours available for schools and organizations nationwide.