APRIL 30, 2012 DATE

NR # 2725B
REF. NO.

Lawmakers laud brains behind Mind Museum

Two party-list legislators want to commend the driving force behind the establishment of the Mind Museum, the first world-class science museum in the country that promotes science learning to the different sectors of Philippine society. In House Resolution 2226, Reps. Angelo Palmones (Party-list, AGHAM) and Reena Concepcion Obillo (Party-list, Una ang Pamilya) said the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI) should be acclaimed and honored for putting up the first science museum in the country with its primary purpose of educating the public on science and developing scientific literacy. Palmones said promoting public understanding of science and technology is a growing strategy in the development of scientifically literate societies. Science and technology have been recognized drivers of economic development and progress. A scientifically literate population would have the capability and capacity to cope with the present challenges of the economy and the environment, Palmones said. Obillo said science museums and science centers are accepted tools to breed scientific literacy. Through science museum and science centers, the public will have the opportunity to see, hear, taste, touch and learn science in an interesting and enjoyable manner. Through interactive exhibits and display, science museum visitors will learn both science concept and its application to daily living, Obillo said. The P1-billion Mind Museum, which is situated right at the heart of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, opened on March 16, 2012 for the Filipino public to enjoy and learn science through the 250 minds-on and hands-on interactive exhibits being showcased in its five galleries, namely, universe, atom, life, earth and technology. It also has an outdoor Science in the Park where visitors can learn science by enjoying and rediscovering anew, through play, the wonder of natures elements, such as sunlight, wind, water and greenery; a botanical garden; an auditorium and a laboratory. Manny Blas, BAFI managing director, said the board commissioned the Science Centre Singapore and Jack Rouse Associates to make the museum truly world-class. Blas said Science Center Singapore, one of the leading science centers in the world with 30 years of experience in operating a museum, was the planning consultant while the exhibition master plan was undertaken by Jack Rouse and Associates (Cincinnati, USA), recognized as among the top 10 museum and theme park designers in the world. The authors said the world-class Mind Museum can eventually become a must see tourist destination which will greatly benefit the economy. (30) lvc