Nido Fortified takes on science learning advocacy

MANILA, Philippines – Nido Fortified recently partnered with the Science Discovery Center at the SM Mall of Asia as part of its science learning advocacy.

“Learning doesn’t only take place in the classroom. To nurture a child’s curiosity, you can expose him to a safe, healthy, stimulating environment so that he can explore freely and experience the world around him. The Science Discovery Center is the perfect place for moms to bond and learn with their kids,” says Joseph Eugene David, business executive manager of Nestle Philippines Inc.’s Dairy, Health and Nutrition Solutions Business Unit.

Effective last April 17, the interactive science theme park was named the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center.

David says Nido Fortified is taking on this science learning advocacy to help improve the science competency of Filipino children.

The Philippines currently has the lowest number of scientists and engineers engaged in research and development, according to the latest studies done by the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Studies.

Filipino high school students’ skills and competencies in math and science rank a dismal 41st and 42nd from among 45 participating countries.

The same holds true for Filipino elementary students’ science and math competencies, which rank 23rd among 25 countries.

This may be the reason why the Philippines also has the lowest number of scientists and engineers engaged in research and development. 

Statistics indicate that there are only 108 scientists and engineers per one million people in the country, whereas Singapore has 4,613 per one million.

“No country can progress without scientific advancements. We want to show everyone that learning science can be easy and even magical, especially when kids learn by exploration and interaction. Hopefully, our efforts will inspire more Filipino children to fall in love with science,” David says.

The Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center is the first technology-based science theme park in the Philippines.

This 3,000-square-meter facility consists of nine walk-through galleries that include a two-level kinetic Time Capsule, green screen technology, the latest PC-based and virtual games and software, a showcase of the latest technologies in different modes of transport, and a Natural Science Center, among many features.

It also houses the most advanced 360-degree dome screen Digistar Planetarium in the country.