While the classroom remains the main source of Science education for our students, taking them outside to a fun experience of the subject can prove to be both a wonderful and valuable learning endeavor, too.
This is one of the main ideas behind the unveiling of the NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center. As the flagship project of NIDO FORTIFIED’s Science learning advocacy, it seeks to encourage parents and educators alike to make Science more fun and meaningful for kids through interactive and experiential activities.
Mad Scientists showing the physics or chemistry behind seemingly magical phenomenon, slime and goo-making activities using practical household items, and, of course, no less than the most high-tech interactive galleries—these and more marked the launch of a worthy cause that seeks to promote Science learning among Filipino children.
"We are very happy to launch the NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center to provide families with a more enjoyable and interactive way of learning Science. This is the perfect venue for children to understand and appreciate Science concepts through discovery, exploration, and interaction," said Nestle Philippines, Inc. (NPI) president and CEO Nandu Nandkishore.
Nandkishore led NPI executives that included National Sales Director Shahab Bachani and Communications Director Sandra Puno in unveiling the NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center along with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. president Hans Sy and Super Value, Inc. president Herbert Sy.
"SM Prime Holdings is pleased to partner with NIDO FORTIFIED on our Science Discovery Center project which we started in 2007. Improving science aptitude in our country is a huge task and we do need all the help and support we can get. We are thus gratified and commend NIDO FORTIFIED for taking on the challenge along with us," said Hans Sy.
Make Science fun and relevant through experiential learning
Representing Science teachers in the country, Dr. Josette Biyo, grand winner of the 2002 Intel ISEF Excellence in Teaching Award, meanwhile, welcomed NIDO FORTIFIED’s thrust of promoting Science through experiential learning.
"As a Science teacher, my advocacy is to encourage other teachers to make Science fun and relevant for children through experiential learning. The Philippines needs more scientists, engineers, and researchers. Our country cannot progress without scientific advancements. Thus, we need to create an environment that will encourage and inspire our children to love Science," she said.
Full support for a truly worthy cause
Showing their full support to the NIDO FORTIFIED cause were Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Deputy Director Raul Sabularse of Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research Development; Director Ysabel Dario of Science, and Technology Information Institute (STII); Asst. Sec. Engr. Maria Lourdes Orijola from DOST-Japan Society for the Promotion of Science; and Merlita Opena of Philippine Council for Health Research, Dr. Virginia G. Novenario-Enriquez, PCASTRD Chief of Research Information and Utilization Division, DOST and Development (PCHRD)-DOST as well as Food Nutrition Research Institute Director, Dr. Mario Capanzana and Mapua Institute of Technology College of Engineering Dean, Dr. Felicito Caluyo; and Family Life and Child Development specialist Dr. Lillian Juadiong.
They were joined by celebrity guests Tweetie De Leon, Dyan Castillejo, Marjorie Baretto, Jackie Lou Blanco, Mariz Ricketts, Yayo Aguila, Nina Ricci Alagao, Regine Tolentino, and Ian Veneracion and their kids. Likewise in attendance were kid celebrities who all came with their parents: Sharlene San Pedro, Celine Lim, Basty Alcances, Julio Pisk, Sophia Baarsm Jacob Diarsio, Paul Salas, and Angelo Garcia, all of whom came with their parents.
Also present at the event were the students from Makati Elementary School, Makati Science and Technology School, St. James School in Quezon City, and St. Theresa’s College.
The NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center program launch was hosted by celebrity couple Paolo Abrera and Suzi Entrata with JM Rodriguez as roving host.
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