The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) conducted the first stop on its children’s book caravan, “Si Tala at ang Kanyang Lakbay Kalawakan!” in Iloilo City from 22 to 23 April 2024.
The state space agency paid a courtesy visit to the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office VI and turned over 100 copies of the children’s book for distribution to public elementary schools in the region. DepEd VI Regional Director Ramir B. Uytico, EdD, CESO III was represented by Assistant Regional Director Dr. Victor G. De Gracia Jr., CESO V, who received the books from PhilSA.
PhilSA, represented by SPICB Director Atty. Noelle Riza Castillo, turns over 100 copies of “Si Tala at ang Kanyang Lakbay Kalawakan!” children’s book to DepEd VI, represented by Assistant Regional Director Dr. Victor G. De Gracia Jr., CESO V
The PhilSA delegation also conducted a courtesy visit to Iloilo Provincial Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. Governor Defensor expressed interest in possible applications of space in their province, such as space education, space tourism, and developing a provincial space program.
Iloilo Governor Defensor reads through “Si Tala at ang Kanyang Lakbay Kalawakan” during PhilSA’s courtesy call to his office on 22 April 2024.
On 23 April, PhilSA paid a courtesy visit to Iloilo City Mayor Gerardo Treñas, where PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Jr. presented the different projects the Agency has previously implemented in Iloilo City. Aside from the children’s book, Director General Marciano also presented a copy of the 2023 Decadal Survey of Earth Observation in the Philippines titled “Kabatiran mula Kalawakan”—a synthesis of experts’ and stakeholders’ input on the most important challenges in Earth observation for the country that may persist or arise in this decade, along with corresponding objectives and available satellite solutions.
PhilSA, led by Director General Dr. Joel Marciano, Jr. (5th from left) and Space Policy and International Cooperation Director Atty. Noelle Riza Castillo (3rd from left) paid a courtesy visit to Iloilo City Mayor Gerardo Treñas (4th from left) on 23 April 2024
Book reading with elementary students
A book reading session was also facilitated for select Grade 3 public school students at the Iloilo Central Elementary School.
Opening the ceremonies was Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias representing Governor Defensor. In his keynote, he thanked PhilSA for conducting the book tour, connecting it to some of their initiatives in the local and provincial level, stating that “We’re very glad that you bring this storytelling because […] we are implementing right now a proof of concept that localizing basic education will improve performance outcomes.”
Iloilo Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias delivered a keynote address on behalf of Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. at the book reading session on 23 April 2024 at the Iloilo Central Elementary School
He also spoke on behalf of Governor Defensor as he extended a warm welcome to PhilSA, saying, “You have brought this wonderful opportunity to our city and our province. Through initiatives like this book tour, we are planting the seeds of curiosity and ambition in the fertile minds of our youth, ensuring that the future of space exploration and international cooperation is bright and boundless.”
This was followed by a message from Iloilo City Mayor Treñas delivered by Ms. Maria Mathilde Treñas-Octavio, Special Assistant to the Mayor. In the message, Ms. Treñas-Octavio thanked PhilSA for the initiative, emphasizing how education is one of the priorities of the city, “Aside from investing in the physical improvement of our school facilities, we are also championing reading as an important skill and habit to develop among our young. […] We want to bring these reading and learning hubs closer to the people.”
PhilSA Director General Marciano also delivered a message of thanks and appreciation to the Iloilo LGU representatives. He said of the book: “This has some novelty because it talks about the United Nations Space Treaties, mga kasunduan—isa po yang topic that we feel we can try to bring to a younger audience.” Director General Marciano also explained #YamangKalawakan, “Yamang kalawakan literally means space riches, space wealth. But figuratively, it refers to the many opportunities that our country stands to benefit from […] by building the capabilities of young people, by contributing to the education system, and by continuing to promote the work of our researchers, scientists, engineers who will advance our country in the global space economy.
PhilSA Director General Marciano at the “Si Tala at ang Kanyang Lakbay Kalawakan!” children’s book reading session (23 April 2024, Iloilo Central Elementary School)
The interactive book reading session was led by Ms. Treñas-Octavio.
Iloilo City’s Special Assistant to the Mayor, Maria Mathilde Treñas-Octavio, led the book reading for “Si Tala at ang Kanyang Lakbay Kalawakan!” (23 April 2024, Iloilo Central Elementary School)
The Assistant Regional Director Dr. Victor G. De Gracia Jr., CESO V of DepEd Region VI was represented by Dr. Mark Anthony Durana, Education Program Supervisor of the Learning Resources and Management. In his closing remarks, he highlighted the region’s full support for PhilSA’s initiatives in connecting with young learners through the book.
Dr. Mark Anthony Durana, Education Program Supervisor of the Learning Resources and Management, provided the closing remarks (23 April 2024, Iloilo Central Elementary School)
About Si Tala at ang Kanyang Lakbay Kalawakan!
“Si Tala at ang Kanyang Lakbay Kalawakan! (Tala and Her Journey to Space!)” is a children’s book developed and produced by PhilSA. Get to know the story of Tala, a young Filipina adventurer who journeys into space and learns about the United Nations Treaties relating to outer space.
The book aims to build appreciation regarding the principle of responsible and sustainable spacefaring to a young audience. Access the PhilSA website to read the book.
Scan the QR code to access and download the book.
Representatives from the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) Space Society provided invaluable support to PhilSA during the book reading event (23 April 2024, Iloilo Central Elementary School)
PhilSA Director General Marciano talks to the student attendees of the book reading event (23 April 2024, Iloilo Central Elementary School)
PhilSA facilitating the book reading event (23 April 2024, Iloilo Central Elementary School)
Elementary school students win MULA satellite plushies at the book reading event (23 April 2024, Iloilo Central Elementary School)
PhilSA paid a courtesy visit to Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. (22 April 2024)
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas (L) and PhilSA Director General Joel Marciano, Jr. (R) at the courtesy visit of PhilSA to the Office of the Mayor (24 April 2024)
Iloilo City elementary school students, Iloilo Province and City representatives, and PhilSA officials at “Si Tala at ang Kanyang Lakbay Kalawakan!” book reading session (24 April 2024)