ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) introduced its Mobile Planetarium to Iliganons at the Northern Mindanao Regional Innovation Program and Exhibit (NorMinRIPE) 2025, attracting students and science learners.
The inflatable dome projected 3D-like images of stars, planets, and other celestial objects, offering attendees a view of astronomical features.
Prince Wilson Au, officer-in-charge of the Mindanao PAGASA Regional Services Division (MPRSD) Planetarium in Molugan, El Salvador City, said the mobile planetarium aims to increase public awareness and understanding of astronomy.
“Mas ma-widen ang area nga makabalo og astronomy. We use mobile planetarium para maghatag og knowledge about astronomy,” he said.
(We can widen the reach of those who can learn about astronomy. We use the mobile planetarium to provide knowledge about astronomy.)
He added that the mobile setup delivers the same content as a permanent planetarium and makes it easier to reach more communities.
Christopher Erl Almendras, a student from the Lyceum Iligan Foundation, shared his interest in the experience.
“Gusto kong ma experience kung anong meron sa loob. Di pa kasi ako nakatry,” he said.
(I want to experience what’s inside. I haven’t tried it before.)
Those interested may also visit the permanent planetarium at the MPRSD in El Salvador City. The facility has a dome-shaped projection theater, gallery hall, astronomical observatory, and conference room. It offers four sessions daily: 9:00–10:00 AM, 11:00–12:00 NN, 1:00–2:00 PM, and 3:00–4:00 PM. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
