QC school offers space science program for students

MANILA, Philippines - The Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) in Quezon City is offering the country’s first-ever space science program (SSP) beginning this school year to help the government promote astronomy among the Filipino youth.

Supervising the 35-week program is Dr. Rogel Mari Sese, one of the only three astrophysicists in the country.

The program is open to all kindergarten to high school students who are interested to pursue a career in space science.

“Through this program, we aim to inspire and promote space science to our Filipino youth and encourage them to take up, not only space science, but also other possible fields in science and technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM),” said Sese, an astrophysics professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

“The SSP is designed for children to explore and discover the wonders of the universe through innovative lectures and interactive lessons. The SSP is intended to teach students about the cosmos and learn about the universe in a fun and exciting manner by its designed curriculum for students to participate in activities such as telescope viewings and water bottle rocket launching,” he said.

Sese said as far as he knows it is the first time that such a program will be implemented extensively on the covered year levels in Southeast Asia.

Most astronomy and space science programs are tackled only as a minor component of science or as an informal session, he said.

DPS president Anna Dominique Coseteng believes that teaching space science to the younger generation would not only offer them the knowledge of limitless possibilities but also the chance to open their minds in many fields and applications of space science.

“The SSP will not only teach the general lessons in space science but also the specific topics, including celestial mechanics, astronomical imaging and satellite technology. These topics will equip the students with a whole new set of knowledge and skills. Analytical skills of the students will also be enhanced through this program and will advance them from their peers,” she said.

Sese said as a profession, it is one of the most in-demand jobs here and abroad, branching out to satellite technology, agriculture, astronomy, astrophysics, meteorology, financial analyst, robotics, and engineering, among other fields.

“It gives a child a clear advantage over others and the technical skill greatly needed for 21st century professions and/or careers,” Sese said.

“In today’s global scene, Filipinos have been characterized as hard workers in various kinds of jobs. However, we need to improve our skills and capabilities in order to be seen not just as workers, but also as producers of knowledge,” he added.

The DPS has partnered with the Regulus SpaceTech Inc. in developing the program.

The program will be taught by DPS teachers who will be trained by experts from Regulus SpaceTech Inc. In addition, a space science expert will be working together with the DPS teacher during each class.

For every session, there would be at least two teachers in a class that would be held every Friday for 80 minutes.

Enrolees will pay a minimal fee of P15,000 for the year.

Interested applicants may call the DPS at (02) 9310731 or 951-9011 local 843 or 847; look for Lycette Ventura.