ESTABLISHING more science centers in the Philippines will help boost its economy with an increase in the availability of manpower highly trained in science and technology, the president of California Science Center (CSC) said.

CSC president and chief executive officer Jeffrey N. Rudolph, who recently visited the Philippines, said having more science centers in the Philippines would motivate and inspire the people to pursue a career in science and technology, creating a steady supply of manpower on this area.

CSC is a state agency and museum located in Exposition Park, Los Angeles.  Billed as the West Coast’s largest hands-on science center, the California Science Center is a public-private partnership between the state and the California Science Center Foundation.

Speaking before science and technology enthusiasts for the topic “The Role of Science Centers in Education” at the SM Science Discovery Center of the Mall of Asia recently, Rudolph said it is crucial for the government to train its work force in the field if it is to develop business and commerce in areas related to science and technology.

Rudolph said science centers also help produce a critical mass of science-conscious citizens who are able to discern positions in policies involving science and technology.

“Science centers can help all citizens become more comfortable making decisions about scientific policy matters,” he said.

Rudolph pointed out that the Philippines needs science centers to motivate the young generation to take up courses in science and technology, as well as educate them in the most creative way.

“I believe the need for science centers is common to any country that values education and particularly values the importance of science and technology.  Science centers play the critical role of motivating young people to want to pursue further education and learning in the sciences and they provide opportunity for people of all ages to understand science and technology and become more informed citizens,” he said.

Rudolph said it is important that all sectors of society—government, private sector, industries—to take part in putting up science centers in the Philippines to the benefit of the country. 

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ESTABLISHING more science centers in the Philippines will help boost its economy with an increase in the availability of manpower highly trained in science and technology, the president of California Science Center (CSC) said.