Astronomy in the Philippines

Astronomy is one of the basic sciences that were still unexplored here in the

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Philippines. Some may not agree with this statement especially those who are “knowledgeable” about astronomy. But I was actually pertaining to its popularity or awareness of Filipinos about this body of knowledge. For example, the difference between information technology and astronomy is quite big.

Granted, the importance of astronomy in the Philippine setting is quite low. I think that it was the reason why no one (or maybe few) in the government ever focus its attention in improving the awareness of the people. And I definitely agree that the government faces even more important problems that need their full focus.

PAG-ASA

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) is the sole government entity who is commissioned to provide awareness to the people about astronomy. Sadly, due to more important priorities like weather and other natural disasters occurring in the country, it only focuses its limited budget to weather forecasting. Again, I totally agree with them. It’s the right thing to do.

The Good News

Image by Smithsonian Institution via Flickr

Though astronomy in the Philippines is generally poor, there are still reasons to rejoice. Though lacking unity, there are a lot of scattered private organizations in the country that promote awareness about the science of heavenly bodies. These groups consist of professional and amateur astronomers, students, and other astronomy enthusiasts. It’s very nice to know that the interest of the Filipinos on astronomy is not absolutely empty.
Also, the Rizal Technological University of the Philippines (RTU) became the first educational institution to offer the first ever astronomy college course in the country. Though the initial enrollees on the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Astronomy Technology are just few, it is a signal that the celestial science in the country is off to a good start. They also offer Masters of Science in Astronomy for those who want to take up Masters Degree.

Authors Note

It seems like astronomy in the Philippines is getting the right push. This year 2009 was declared as the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009). Its mission is to help the citizen in the world (including us, Filipinos) rediscover its place in the universe through day and night time sky and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery. It’s very nice to know that the Philippines is one of the active nations on the program 100 Hours of Astronomy (100HA).
Yes, though it may not have direct effects as other sciences have on Filipino lives, no one could dispute the fact that astronomy has an impact on the world we live in.
This blog is dedicated to provide some ideas on astronomy not only in the Philippines but on the entire globe.

External Readings

http://www.astronomy2009.ph
http://www.astroleaguephils.org