A CALL TO BUILD A NATIONAL SCIENCE MUSEUM

A CALL TO BUILD A NATIONAL SCIENCE MUSEUM

I first learned to appreciate the importance of science museums when I served as a director of the Philippine Science Centrum. Since then, one question has remained in my mind: why does the Philippines still not have a truly large, government-funded National Science Museum comparable to those in major countries?

Let us begin with the obvious: a national science museum is not just another building. It is a declaration that a nation values science, innovation, and the future.

Today, we have excellent science institutions, many of them privately operated, such as The Mind Museum and the recently opened MindSpark facility in Parañaque, which covers about 9,000 square meters and features more than 100 interactive exhibits. These are commendable, but they are not enough. A country aspiring to technological leadership needs a flagship, government-funded institution that belongs to all Filipinos and represents the full history and future of Filipino scientific achievement.

Around the world, large science museums are national symbols. Germany’s Deutsches Museum in Munich, one of the largest science and technology museums globally, houses tens of thousands of scientific objects and attracts millions of visitors. The United States has the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, France has the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, and Japan has the Nagoya City Science Museum with its giant planetarium. China continues to build massive futuristic science centers, including the newly opened Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum. These institutions are not small galleries; they are huge complexes designed to inspire generations.

Should the Philippines build one? My answer is simple: we cannot afford not to.

The advantages are clear. First, a national science museum would help build a science culture, which we urgently need if we want to compete in a knowledge-driven global economy. Second, it would provide a national platform to support STEM education, giving students hands-on experiences that textbooks cannot provide. Third, it would become a permanent venue to showcase Filipino inventions and world-class scientists, from early Filipino engineers to innovators like the late Dado Banatao. Fourth, it would become a major tourism attraction, just like large museums abroad that draw millions of visitors annually.

Of course, there are disadvantages and challenges. The cost of constructing and operating a huge facility is substantial. Critics may argue that government funds should instead be used for classrooms, laboratories, or scholarships. That concern is valid. However, this should not be viewed as an either-or choice. A national science museum is itself an educational infrastructure—one that serves millions, not just thousands, of learners over decades.

Another concern is sustainability. A poorly planned museum could become an underutilized monument. That is why planning must include partnerships with universities, research institutions, technology firms, and tourism agencies, ensuring that the museum is constantly updated and fully utilized.

If we build it, it must be large and world-class, not symbolic or miniature. A modest facility will not change national attitudes toward science. A landmark institution—architecturally striking, technologically advanced, and intellectually inspiring—can become a national icon of innovation.

Can we afford it? Again, my answer is clear: the real question is whether we can afford not to build it. A country that wants to produce scientists, engineers, inventors, and innovators must invest not only in classrooms but also in institutions that ignite curiosity. A National Science Museum would do exactly that—serve as a living laboratory of imagination for every Filipino child who dares to dream of discovering something new.

RAMON IKE V. SENERES

www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com senseneres.blogspot.com 09088877282/03-29-2027

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