Sci-Fun Caravan Visits Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur

Orientation Proper and Viewing of the Exhibits

The Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. (TYKFI) in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), Ilocos Sur and Candon City Divisions, and the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology (PFST) transported the Sci-Fun Caravan to the gym of the local government unit (LGU) in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur. Up to 236 public elementary and high schools benefitted from the exhibit, which lasted from January 8, 2014 to March 04, 2014. 

Exhibit – Ring Bubbles

Exhibit – Bernoulli Blower

Exhibit – Anti-Gravity Mirror

Exhibit – Stereo Hearing

Exhibit - Siphon

Exhibit – Steady Hand Game

Exhibit – Magnetic Suction

Exhibit – Bridge

Exhibit – Shadow Geometry

The aim of the Foundation is to bring the Sci-Fun Caravan to the provinces in order to fast-track the development of interactive learning in the region. The Sci-Fun Caravan offers fun and informative exhibits that are interactive.  Through hands-on experiences, the pupils’ curiosity to learn more about science is kindled, thus also encouraging them to explore more.

The program was opened by the singing of the National Anthem led by the Sta. Cruz Central School Marching Band followed by an invocation led by the Sta. Cruz Central School Choir. The event was graced by the opening remarks of ASDS-Ilocos Sur Division, Dr. Estrella O. Soria, followed by a welcome talk by CSEE, SDS – Ilocos Sur Division, Dr. Marino S. Baytec. The event’s rationale was conducted by the Head of Communications, Programs and Projects-PFST, Mr. Luis Ferdinand Lesigues. 

“Presenting and packaging the commonly perceived “boring science” into exciting and interactive modules for better appreciation and keen interest of science and technology among the student population is a great challenge for PFST,” according to Mr. Lesigues. “In a study conducted by the UP-NISMED, learning takes place even for the shortest duration of one minute while interacting with PSC’s exhibits.  In another study conducted by Dr. Vivien Talisayon of the U.P. College of Education, results show that 67%of the respondent-students, after their visit at the Science Centrum, have wanted to become scientists and engineers,” he continued. Truly, the Sci-Fun Caravan is a fool proof way to ensure that difficult concepts in the classrooms are understood by the students.

For the intermission number, the Banayoyo Dance Troupe of the Naguimba Elementary School, Banayoyo, Ilocos Sur showcased their talent by presenting their native dances, Tallibong, Lablabbaan, War Dance, and the Mallidum-Malleyda. The Tallibong is a dance where the boys play a gong as they dance with the girls, while the Lablabbaan is a courtship dance where the dancers do the rooster movement while courting a girl. On the other hand, in Mallidum-Malleyda, the girls hold the waist of one another while the boys hold their shoulders. This dance shows that in the tribe there is cooperation, bonding and unity in doing all activities. Lastly, the War Dance is where the bravest men in the tribe fight and the winner will be the one to marry the Datu’s daughter.

Other inspirational messages were delivered by Mayor of Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur Hon. Teresita C. Valle, Mayor, DOST Representative Mr. Arthur Alviar, and on behalf of TYFKI, the Education Program Director, Ms. Zenaida Dimalanta. 

In behalf of DepEd Regional Director Dr. Teresita Velasco, Chief Elementary Education Division Dr. Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan delivered the challenge message: “First, what must we do in order to learn? Second, if we have already started to learn, what shall we do to expand and enlarge our learning? And third, after becoming beneficiary-recipients of this kind gesture from the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, what can we give back to ourselves, to our community, to the Tan Yan Kee Foundation? To somehow create a rippling effect of this benevolence?” 

For the presentation of tokens, Mr. Luis Ferdinand Lesigues awarded a “scientific” token to the sponsors. The closing remarks was delivered by CESO VI, ASDS – Ilocos Sur Division Ms. Gemma Q. Tacuycuy. Other special guests included: Parish priest of the Immaculate Rev. Fr. Ethel Agamata, Sangguniang Bayan Members: Hon. Renato Quilop, Hon. Miweda Chavez, and Hon. Cesar Javillonar, Public School District Supervisors led by Dr. Buenafe Medrano, and School Heads and teachers of the Ilocos Sur and Candon Divisions. 

Of course the event will not be complete without the ribbon cutting, balloon popping, and blessing of the exhibits. The audience consisting of VIP’s, guests and teachers were oriented on the proper viewing of the exhibits, followed by the viewing and orientation of the 60 science teachers. 

The exhibit was divided into 6 galleries: Mechanics, Mathematics, Vision and Perception, Electricity and Magnetism, Lights, and Liquids. 

It was a promising, faithful day for everyone especially for the students benefitting from the science exhibit. “Science, I believe, is one of the most vital subjects in school.  It is through it that we can explain and understand our own existence – what happened before, what is happening now and what can happen in the future.  Through science, mankind was able to discover fire and from which, created candles, lamps and then electricity.  Through science, mankind discovered fuel and from which created various transportations which run on land, float on water and fly on air.  Through science, we have learned how human beings evolved from sea-living creatures, how continents were formed and how the earth came to be.  Science allows us to see what the naked eye cannot see and that makes it important as well as empowering,” stated by Municipal Mayor (Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur), Hon. Teresita C. Valle in her speech. 

The goal of the foundation to reach 20,000 public schools may be ambitious but with the help of the partners and the beneficiaries, this goal is achievable. “We commend the Tan Yan Kee Foundation for sponsoring another month-long exhibition of the Sci-Fun Caravan here in Ilocos Sur targeting 20,000 public school pupils and students. The first Ilocos Sur month-long exhibition was conducted in Vigan City last year.  May I enjoin and encourage the DepEd Officers to ensure that the 20,000 student attendance for the Sta Cruz exhibition be achieved.  For the school principals and Department Heads kindly make sure that the number of slots for your classes or schools be followed,” said Mr. Luis Ferdinand Lesigues, Head of communications, Programs and Projects of the PFST.