The Philippines has opened what is being billed as its largest ever science museum, a facility that education officials say could play a significant role in supporting students’ learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Department of Education (DepEd) inaugurated Mindspark, a 9,000-square-metre museum located at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City, in August.
Officials described the new site as a potential hub for hands-on learning and a complement to classroom-based instruction.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara told the Philippine News Agency that the facility provides opportunities for young people to explore scientific concepts through interactive activities, ranging from robotics to engineering design.
He urged schools to consider the museum as a venue for exposure trips.
Hands-on learning
Mindspark houses more than 100 interactive exhibits and 30 themed rooms designed to immerse students in STEM-related experiences.
Features include a walkthrough human heart model, a replica hospital laboratory, large-scale anatomy displays and a demonstration of the insect life cycle.
Other activities highlight subjects such as bubble science, robotics, artificial intelligence, fire safety, gemology and engineering design.
Angara said these features could help cultivate curiosity among students and encourage them to apply scientific knowledge in practical ways.
“A curious mind is the seed of a promising tomorrow.”
“Our children hold the key to solving the emerging challenges of the future, armed with creativity, resilience, and the power of their innovative thinking,” he said in a statement.
He added that museums such as Mindspark provide young people with opportunities to develop skills not only in school but also within their communities.
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STEM-focused education
DepEd officials stressed that the new museum aligns with broader efforts to strengthen STEM education in the Philippines, where access to advanced learning tools remains uneven between urban and rural areas.
Angara noted that Mindspark could support students eager to explore the “whys and hows” of scientific questions but who often lack access to facilities beyond their classrooms.
He said the museum’s interactive design allows learners to see theories applied in real-world contexts, from simulated volcanic eruptions and rocket experiments to robotics powered by artificial intelligence.
Public access and school programmes
Mindspark is managed by the Philippine Amusement and Entertainment Corporation and is now open to the public.
Tour programmes are available for schools and organisations, with the facility expected to attract students from across Metro Manila and other regions.
As the country continues to place emphasis on STEM education, the museum is expected to serve as a test case for whether large-scale science centres can complement the formal school system and help bridge gaps in access to technology-based learning.
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Shameeka Voyiya 
Newsjustnews writers 
Ren Azrack Escosio