DOST launches science centrum, satellite calibration lab in Zamboanga

A Grade 10 student from Zamboanga Del Norte National High School - Turno Campus introduces 11 exhibits at Dipolog Science Centrum in front of DOST officials including (sitting from left) DOST Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Director Rosemarie Salazar, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho Maborrang and DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. Photographed by Sean Magbanua

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) inaugurated an interactive science exhibit at Miputak East Central School in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, during the opening of the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) 2026 on Wednesday.

Named the Dipolog Science Centrum, the interactive science hub features 11 exhibits where young learners, students, and science enthusiasts can explore and learn scientific principles through hands-on activities.

“We offer an ecosystem where children can go and, while playing in the science centrum, they also learn principles of science,” DOST Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Director Rosemarie Salazar told the Daily Tribune in an interview.

“That is what we want to develop — interest in science among Zamboanga students,” she added.

The exhibits include Head on a Platter, Anti-Gravity Mirror, Laser Harp, Cyclone Simulator, Bernoulli Blower, Archimedes’ Screw, Pendulum Wave, Pedal-Powered Generator, Finger-Tingler, Van de Graaff Generator, and Plasma Sphere.

The Van de Graaff Generator is among the notable exhibits, demonstrating static electricity by generating high voltage and making electric charges visible. The Plasma Sphere, meanwhile, displays glowing plasma filaments to demonstrate plasma, electric fields, and high-voltage electricity.

DOST Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Science and Technology Director Nuhman Alijani said the interactive exhibits allow children and students to better understand various scientific concepts.

“There's electricity, concepts of refraction, among other things. What's good about it is that we can explain that science is not abstract,” Alijani said in a separate Daily Tribune interview.

The DOST partnered with the Department of Education-Dipolog City Schools Division and the City Government of Dipolog for the construction, funding, and management of the science center.

“Our funding here is a collaborative project. DOST provides funds for the exhibits, DepEd handles the management and day-to-day operations, and the City Government of Dipolog provides for improvements to the facility's infrastructure,” Alijani said.

Satellite calibration laboratory

DOST also inaugurated a satellite calibration laboratory at the DOST Zamboanga del Norte Upper Turno Office in Dipolog City.

According to DOST Zamboanga, the laboratory aims to provide calibration services to industries, laboratories, academic institutions, and government agencies in the province.

The agency envisioned the satellite calibration laboratory as a strategically located hub that would improve local access to accurate and reliable calibration services across various sectors.

Seven Trent Machineries Industrial Equipment Trading, an industry-sector partner, donated a fuel dispenser simulator to the DOST laboratory.

Led by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., the inauguration ceremony concluded with officials leading a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the newly opened satellite calibration facility.